This article reimagines the debate on United Nations Security Council reform through the lens of reparative justice and African peacebuilding. Rather than arguing for African representation solely on the basis of numbers or historical exclusion, it demonstrates how Africa’s rich traditions of conflict prevention, mediation, healing, and community-led peacebuilding can strengthen global security governance itself.

Drawing on examples from South Sudan, Uganda, South Africa, Ethiopia, and continental institutions such as FemWise-Africa, the article argues that the Decade of Reparations presents an opportunity not only to secure Africa’s permanent representation on the Security Council, but also to transform how international peace and security decisions are made. It calls for a shift from consultation to genuine co-decision-making, ensuring that African institutions, women peacebuilders, and grassroots peacebuilding knowledge have meaningful influence over decisions affecting the continent. Ultimately, the piece contends that a truly reparative Security Council must redistribute authority, value African knowledge systems, and become better at peace itself.

Download: UN Security Council Reform in the Decade of Reparations 31_8_2026