In an exclusive interview with DW, Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera stressed an issue that many of his African counterparts have for years: the underrepresentation of African countries on the UN Security Council.

"We've been pushing for a reconsideration so that Africa becomes a bona fide participant around the table, particularly in the [UN] Security Council," Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera told DW in an exclusive interview. "I raise those questions every time I've had a chance to speak up."

The council consists of five permanent members: Russia, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and France. They all wield veto power, meaning each of the six countries can unilaterally vote to stop a resolution to protect its national interest, even if the others have approved. The remaining 10 seats are non-permanent and are allocated regionally.

Africa has just three seats on the 15-member council, which are currently occupied by Sierra Leone, Algeria and Mozambique. But considering African nations comprise 28% of UN members, many countries have opined the........

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