The United Nations  has called for the African continent to get a permanent seat at the UN Security Council as part of reforms to correct historical injustices.

The UN Secretary, Chief ANTÓNIO GUTERRES made the call, while stressing that the world has changed since 1945 and the changes ought to reflect in the composition of the Council, in order to keep the pace.

The Security Council, with five permanent members of which are China, France, Russia, the UK and the US – has long been criticised for representing the realities that prevailed at the end of World War II when much of Africa was still under colonial rule.

The 10 non-permanent members of the body are allocated by region, but unlike the five permanent members, they do not have the power of veto.

The African Union has long been pushing for the continent to have two permanent representatives on the council and an additional two seats as non-permanent representatives.

The UN Security Council has significant responsibilities, including authorising peacekeeping operations, imposing international sanctions and determining how the UN should respond to conflicts around the world.