**"A Seat at the Table: UN Chief Pushes for Africa's Permanent Spot on the Security Council"** As the African Union summit convened in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, world leaders gathered to tackle pressing regional issues. Against this backdrop, a pressing question arose: why shouldn't Africa have a voice that's as permanent as the issues it faces? United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently sat down with Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa to discuss the elephant in the room – Africa's representation on the UN Security Council. The current state of affairs on the Security Council is a far cry from the diverse global landscape it's supposed to reflect. With a permanent seat for Africa noticeably absent, the continent's interests often take a backseat to more powerful nations. Guterres' words serve as a timely reminder that this imbalance has far-reaching implications for global peace and security. As a region with an ever-growing population and significant economic clout, Africa's influence in international affairs cannot be overstated. In a continent where peacekeeping and conflict resolution are often a top priority, Africa is uniquely positioned to shape global responses to conflict. However, its representation on the Security Council remains limited to rotating seats, which can be seen as a compromise, not a commitment. This can be likened to a Nigerian state having a rotating governorship seat in the country's federal cabinet – it's not the same as having a fixed, permanent position that commands respect and influence. The UN chief's call for a permanent Africa seat sends a signal that the global community is slowly recognizing the continent's growing importance. With the African Union's Agenda 2063 already pointing the way towards a more integrated and prosperous Africa, this move could be a crucial step forward. Nigeria, as one of Africa's leading economies and a major player in regional affairs, can play a key role in pushing this agenda forward. In conclusion, the conversation around Africa's representation on the UN Security Council is gaining momentum. Guterres' words offer a glimmer of hope that the current imbalance may soon be addressed. As Africa continues to evolve and grow, its influence on the global stage can only be expected to increase. A permanent seat on the Security Council would be a significant step towards cementing this influence and ensuring that Africa's voice is heard loud and clear.