The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, argues that Africa should have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council so that it can participate in the decisions that affect it.

The UN Secretary General questioned Africa's absence from the sessions of this body, which is responsible for ensuring world peace and security.

He said that the next UN Future Summit - to be held in September - should be an opportunity to analyze global governance reforms and rebuild trust.

Africa has three seats on the 15-member Security Council, which are rotating, and the five permanent seats are occupied by Europe (France and the UK), North America (USA) and Asia (China), as well as Russia's seat, which straddles two continents.

Under the rules, it is up to the member states themselves to decide whether or not any African country becomes a permanent member of the Security Council.