From the Margins to the Center: The Rise of the A3 in the UN Security Council
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The three African members of the Security Council—the A3—have become an increasingly coordinated and influential group in Council deliberations. Over the past decade, they have strengthened their cohesion, regularly spoken with one voice, and acted as a negotiating bloc on issues of priority to Africa. This evolution has generated growing interest among Council members and the wider UN membership in understanding how the A3 operates and shapes decision-making.
This report reviews the A3’s development since its emergence in 2013. It examines the mechanisms that support its coordination, its engagement with Addis Ababa, and its role in advancing African positions in Council discussions and outcomes. The report also considers the recent “A3 Plus” format, highlights key achievements and challenges, and identifies lessons for incoming A3 members as they seek to build on the work of their predecessors.