UPDATE 2 - Germany calls for 2 permanent seats for African states on UN Security Council

UPDATES WITH MORE QUOTES FROM GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTRY, ADDS REMARKS FROM AUC; REVISES 2ND DECK; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Sadik Kedir Abdu and Mevlut Ozkan

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia / ISTANBUL (AA) - Germany on Thursday called for two permanent seats for African states on the UN Security Council, stressing the need for greater representation of the continent in international institutions.

Germany is “firmly convinced” that African states “must finally be adequately represented in international institutions,” the German Foreign Ministry said on US social media company X, as Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is on an official visit to Ethiopia.

The ministry said the African Union (AU) is a “natural partner” for Europeans.

“What unites us is the conviction that integration and rules-based cooperation make us strong and that territorial integrity and political sovereignty must not be up for debate – worldwide,” it said.

Berlin highlighted its commitment to deepening cooperation with the AU, unveiling a new strategic dialogue aimed at elevating their partnership to a higher level.

“We work closely and confidentially with the African Union, for example, on Sudan,” it said.

Wadephul welcomed the AU’s agreement to co-host the Sudan Conference in Berlin on Apr. 15.

During talks with the AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, he also expressed the bloc's deep appreciation for Germany’s longstanding and principled support for Africa’s development efforts.

Youssouf welcomed Germany’s announced commitment of €88 million ($103 million) for the 2026–27 period and acknowledged Berlin’s leadership role as a key partner in advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area agenda.

Regarding the situation in the Great Lakes region, both sides emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, coherent and African-led mediation efforts, and inclusive regional dialogue.

On Sudan, they agreed on the importance of complementary international and regional efforts focused on dialogue, an immediate cessation of hostilities, and the protection of civilians.

Youssouf, for his part, reaffirmed Germany’s support for African-led peacekeeping and preventive diplomacy, noting that Berlin would work with the EU to support the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The German foreign minister also welcomed Africa’s integration into the Group of 20, saying it brings renewed impetus to global cooperation.

During his visit, the top diplomat held talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to strengthen bilateral relations and regional stability.

In a statement, Abiy said the discussions centered on further deepening the long-standing partnership between the two countries, highlighting areas of mutual interest and cooperation.

The meeting in the capital, Addis Ababa, comes amid a fragile regional environment, specifically regarding tensions in the north involving Eritrea.

In a statement before his departure from Germany, Wadephul noted Ethiopia’s responsibility for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa region.

"The situation in Tigray and relations with Eritrea remain tense. With my visit, I want to encourage efforts to find solutions for a peaceful balance of interests," he said.

He also hinted at Ethiopia's potential for German business.

Germany is a key development partner for Ethiopia and most recently committed €206 million ($241 million) in new funding last December to support this strategic partnership, according to Ethiopia's Finance Ministry.

Wadephul is also expected to meet with his Ethiopian counterpart, Gedion Timotheos, during his two-day stay in Ethiopia.