Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE has pronounced its intention to bid for the rotational seat in the 15-member United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which comprises the so-called Big Five.
The UNSC has six permanent members- Russia, China, Britain, Germany, the United States and France.
It has 10 non-permanent members who serve for two terms from global regions but have no veto powers.
Zimbabwe has set out its campaign strategy to contest the seat, buoyed by the unrelenting support from its peers under the auspices of the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Africa has three seats allocated to it, and the other two candidates are coming from other regions.
The elections will be held in September this year during the UN General Assembly.
As Africa chooses its representatives for the 2027 – 2028 term, analysts say it’s time the continent unites and rally behind the candidacy of all contestants, including Zimbabwe.
The country, with its experience in international relations is an important cog in the whole UNSC matrix and should be supported.
Zimbabwe last held the non-permanent seat in the UNSC in the 1990s.
Presenting the post-Cabinet Briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the country is geared to land the seat and the campaign strategy was already in place.
“Cabinet considered and approved Zimbabwe’s Campaign Strategy on the country’s candidature for a Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028,” Dr Muswere said.
“Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term has already been endorsed by both the Southern African Development Community and the African Union, and will be officially launched by His Excellency the President Dr ED Mnangagwa in Harare, and in New York during the 80th Session of United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
“The outcome will be the reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to upholding international peace and security as well as the generation of international.”
Africa’s united support for Zimbabwe’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC would be a strategic move, considering its experience in international peace and security programmes.
Zimbabwe’s contributions to UN peacekeeping initiatives, such as in East Timor and Sudan, demonstrate its commitment to global peace and security.
As a candidate, Zimbabwe has consistently articulated African issues on international platforms, showcasing its ability to champion African causes.
Through supporting Zimbabwe’s candidacy, Africa can promote a unified agenda and advance the African Agenda.
However, Africa must be cautious of neo-colonialist tendencies that seek to divide the continent along linguistic and cultural lines.
Transcending these divisions and presenting a united front, Africa can ensure its interests are represented on the global stage.
Zimbabwe’s presence on the UNSC would provide a platform for articulating African perspectives and championing African causes, contributing to a more equitable global order. Africa’s collective support for Zimbabwe’s candidacy would demonstrate its commitment to unity, solidarity, and promoting African interests.
Ultimately, Zimbabwe’s experience and fearless advocacy make it an ideal candidate for the UNSC non-permanent seat. Africa’s united support would be crucial in ensuring its success and advancing the African Agenda.
The geopolitical landscape is undergoing profound changes. Emerging powers are reshaping global alignments, and Africa must ensure it is not a passive observer but an active participant.
Zimbabwe’s candidacy comes at a time when Africa is increasingly assertive in areas of trade (via the African Continental Free Trade Area), climate justice, and digital transformation. Placing a capable and experienced nation like Zimbabwe on the UNSC amplifies these priorities.
Furthermore, Zimbabwe’s re-engagement with the international community under President Mnangagwa’s administration underscores its readiness to lead and contribute constructively on the global stage.
This candidacy should be seen as part of a broader effort to redefine Zimbabwe’s international profile and foster sustainable partnerships.
A key challenge for Africa in UNSC elections is internal fragmentation — often along linguistic, historical, or geopolitical lines — that weakens its collective influence.
Neo-colonial patterns persist, with external powers sometimes attempting to exploit these divisions. Zimbabwe’s candidacy is an opportunity to overcome such fractures and reinforce Pan-African solidarity.
In rallying behind Zimbabwe, Africa sends a powerful message: that it is capable of transcending artificial boundaries and acting with a unified voice in pursuit of a fairer international system.
Zimbabwe’s candidacy represents more than a national aspiration — it is a continental cause. With solid experience in diplomacy and peacekeeping and a principled record on global justice issues, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to advocate for African interests. Zimbabwe is currently serving its chairmanship of SADC with distinction. Previously, the country has also served as AU chair.
A united Africa behind Zimbabwe would not only secure a seat but also reinforce a commitment to collective agency, solidarity, and the promotion of a just global order.
