The Permanent Representative of Angola to the United Nations, Francisco José da Cruz, has called for urgent reform of the United Nations system and substantial debt relief for African countries, stating that these two priorities are essential for sustainable development and fair global governance.

According to the Angolan envoy, Africa remains the only continent without a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, despite having 54 member states. He described this situation as a “historic injustice that must be corrected.”

Francisco José da Cruz emphasized that the continent should be granted two permanent seats with veto power, as well as two additional non-permanent seats, in line with long-standing African positions such as the Ezulwini Consensus and the Declaration of Syrte.

Beyond institutional reform, the Angolan diplomat highlighted the need to revise the global financial architecture, noting that the growing debt burden limits African countries’ ability to fund development priorities and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This statement comes amid ongoing discussions on Africa’s place and priorities within the UN, as the continent seeks fairer representation and greater consideration of its economic needs.