Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
SADC has expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term.
Responding to Zimpapers yesterday, SADC Head of Communications and Public Relations, Ms Barbara Lopi, said the organisation had endorsed several member states’ candidatures for positions in various international bodies — including Zimbabwe’s bid for the UNSC seat.
Zimbabwe’s campaign is being run under the theme “Advancing 21st Century Solutions for Global Peace and Security through Multilateralism.”
“At the SADC Summit held in August 2025, several candidatures from SADC member states were endorsed for positions in international organisations, including Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council,” said Ms Lopi.
She added that the summit had called on all member states to support candidates from the region.
“SADC is therefore confident in Zimbabwe’s campaign and remains committed to regional solidarity in international representation,” Ms Lopi said.
President Mnangagwa launched Zimbabwe’s campaign last month in Harare, while Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, officially launched it on the global stage on behalf of the President in New York during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Harare has already secured the backing of all 54 African union (AU) member states, along with support from 80 other countries through reciprocal support arrangements. These arrangements involve countries pledging to support each other’s bids for positions in international organisations, effectively exchanging votes to enhance their chances of success.
The decisive vote will take place in June 2026 in New York. All 193 UN member states will cast ballots. Candidates must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast — at least 128 — in a secret ballot, even if running unopposed.
If successful, Zimbabwe will serve on the UNSC from 2027 to 2028, marking its third term on the powerful organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security. The country previously held non-permanent seats in 1983–1984 and 1991–1992.
During the Unga, Professor Murwira engaged with counterparts from across the globe, including officials from Venezuela, the Philippines, Nicaragua, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar — all of whom pledged support for Harare’s campaign.
On the upcoming SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, the Secretariat’s Head of Communications said the regional bloc would issue a statement in due course, as per tradition.
