Africa wants two permanent seats on the UN Security Council.

Almost everyone supports it, including all five permanent members: the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France. Even countries outside the council, like Germany and members of BRICS, have supported permanent African representation.

The African Union's Ezulwini Consensus, agreed in 2005, calls for at least two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats. But there's one crucial detail: If the veto stays, Africa says its permanent members should enjoy the same privileges, including veto power.

So, Africa's problem isn't really getting countries to say: "Yes, Africa deserves a seat." The harder question is: A seat with what power?