Japan backs Ezulwini consensus

By King’s Office Correspondents

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – Japan has endorsed the Ezulwini Consensus to reform the United Nations Security Council and ensure Africa’s voice in global peace.

This endorsement was made by the former Japanese Prime Minister, Kishida Fumio, at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) yesterday. He was speaking during a session on peace and stability.

Representing the Japanese government, Kishida emphasised the need for fair African representation on the UN Security Council, as outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus.

He stated: “Japan will work with Africa to achieve fair representation, sharing responsibility for international security.”

The Ezulwini Consensus, which was adopted by the African Union (AU) in 2005, calls for two permanent and five non-permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa to address global imbalances.

Kishida’s call aligns with Eswatini’s advocacy, as a member of the AU Peace and Security Council (2025–2028) and incoming Chairperson of the SADC Troika on Defence, Peace and Security.

Kishida highlighted Japan’s commitment to African peace through capacity-building for transparent elections and community resilience. He noted: “We aim to support transparent elections to ensure stability across African nations.”

Japan will also advance the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, fostering women’s leadership and economic independence.

Kishida cited Japan’s projects in Northeast Nigeria and Liberia, stating: “These efforts build resilience in communities affected by conflict and climate change.

” Japan said it will partner with the AU to support African-led solutions to violent extremism and political transitions. “Together, we can create a future of peace and prosperity, aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063 and TICAD’s aspirations,” said the former prime minister.