US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield. (Source: AP)

The above information was given by US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield on September 12 in a speech before the Council on Foreign Relations.

Although Africa has three non-permanent seats on the Security Council, that does not allow countries on the continent to “fully benefit from their knowledge and voice,” she said, according to the AP news agency.

“That is why, in addition to non-permanent membership for African countries, the United States supports the creation of two permanent seats for Africa on the council. That is what our African partners seek and that is what we believe is fair,” the US diplomat said.

The new announcement will "advance this agenda to be able to reform the Security Council at some point in the future," the US ambassador said, describing it as part of President Joe Biden's legacy.

The push for two permanent seats for Africa and one rotating seat for small island developing states is a new step by the United States to add to its longstanding support for UNSC expansion. Washington has previously supported India, Japan and Germany to get permanent seats on the council.

Developing countries have long demanded permanent seats on the Security Council, the most powerful body at the United Nations.

The move comes as Washington seeks to mend ties with Africa, where many countries are unhappy about Washington's support for Israel's war in Gaza.

The US is also stepping up its competition for influence with China in Pacific Island nations.