São Tomé and Príncipe says Security Council reform "becomes imperative" for Africa's representation

Elisa Maria Dos Santos Amado Vaza urged broader reforms of international institutions, saying Africa's demographic and political importance is not yet adequately reflected in bodies that make global decisions. "It is in this area that reform of the security council becomes imperative," she said.

She framed the demand as one of legitimacy and historical justice, arguing that institutions responsible for peace and security should better reflect current global realities. The minister also welcomed recent decisions recognizing the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans and correcting cartographic distortions that diminished Africa visually, and said such recognition should be followed by substantive inclusion in decision-making.