Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday officially launched Zimbabwe’s campaign for non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027 -2028.
In his address at the launch in Harare, the President said since joining the United Nations (UN) in 1980, Zimbabwe had been a steadfast advocate for peace, stability and the sovereign equality of nations.
Zimbabwe previously served twice as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 1983-1984 and 1991-1992, tenures which President Mnangagwa said demonstrated its active contribution to fostering international peace and security, conflict resolution and constructive international engagement.
“It is, therefore, with great honour that I officially launch Zimbabwe’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. Our diplomatic legacy speaks for itself,” he said.
“Our post-independence history is testament of our commitment to upholding principles, purposes and values enshrined in the United Nations Charter as well as the basic tenets of a rules-based international governance architecture.
“Our engagement with other nations has withstood triumphs and challenges. Zimbabwe remains a peace-loving nation, a defender of sovereignty and a champion of justice, fairness and prosperity for all.”
Zimbabwe’s campaign will run under the theme: “Advancing 21st Century Solutions for Global Peace and Security, through Multilateralism”.
Elections for the seat are set for June next year.
The UN Security Council has five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Another 10 countries chosen to ensure all continents and regions are represented, are elected to sit on the Security Council for two-year terms.
To pass a resolution, at least nine of the 15 members must vote in favour with none of the permanent five casting a negative vote.
President Mnangagwa rallied UN member states to support Zimbabwe’s bid, saying: “A vote for Zimbabwe is a vote for peace, multilateral cooperation and a more inclusive order.”
He outlined Zimbabwe’s focus areas once elected, which include promoting global peace and security; silencing the guns and combating terrorism; cooperation and complementarity between the United Nations Security Council and regional economic communities; and women, youth, peace and security.
“Zimbabwe’s term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council will, therefore, focus on the following areas:
“i) Promoting Global Peace and Security. Zimbabwe will work with members of the UN Security Council and other members of the UN to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes. We will also advocate solutions that address the root causes of instability, poverty and climate-induced security threats. It will be critically important that mechanisms to strengthen conflict prevention, peace-building and sustainable development remain areas of focus.
“ii) Silencing the Guns and Combating Terrorism. Zimbabwe will champion UN action to support Africa’s ‘Silencing the Guns’ strategy, anti-terrorism and combating organised crime.
“iii) Cooperation and complementarity between the UN Security Council and Regional Economic Communities. Zimbabwe will work with members of the UN Security Council and other UN member states towards strengthening synergies between the Security Council and regional economic communities. Fostering regional stability through advancing preventive diplomacy, and lasting post-conflict reconstruction will be among other areas of focus.
“iv) Women, Youth, Peace and Security. Zimbabwe will, also, promote the role of women and the youth in the peace and security agenda.”
President Mnangagwa Zimbabwe’s seat bid was not solely for the country but for Africa, the developing world and all nations that desire peace, justice and equality for both present and future generations.
SADC, the African Union and major countries including Russia, Cuba and India have since endorsed Zimbabwe’s bid.
“As we embark on this important journey to joining the UN Security Council, I appeal to all UN Member States to support Zimbabwe’s candidature.
“To date, we are humbled by the confidence and trust bestowed on us by SADC and AU member states, who have unanimously supported and endorsed our candidature.
“Zimbabwe pledges to use the opportunity to champion Africa’s security priorities as outlined in Agenda 2063 and our continent’s commitment to “Silencing the Guns.
“Equally, the voices of the Global South towards reforms in the global peace and security architecture will be amplified,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s commitment to peace was unshakeable and the country had a proven track record.
Zimbabwe had played meaningful roles in peacekeeping missions across Africa and beyond, including in Angola, Somalia, East Timor, Sierra Leone, Kosovo, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan, Abyei and Darfur.
“These contributions underscore our experience, dedication and ability to add value to the work of the Security Council,” said President Mnangagwa.
“We recognise that peace is the cornerstone of sustainable socio-economic development and stand ready to contribute our experience and leadership to the mission of the Security Council.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe, I wish to express my gratitude to those countries that have already assured us of their support.”
He said Zimbabwe’s mission was to serve as a trusted, proactive and solutions-driven partner in the maintenance of global peace and security.
President Mnangagwa said the current state of global international relations deserves peaceful solutions.
“Zimbabwe is a ‘friend to all and an enemy to none’. Our country is ready to take pride of place as a non-permanent member in the UN Security Council for the period 2027-2028. We appeal for your support. As an independent and sovereign nation, Zimbabwe is, therefore, stepping forward to bid for a seat at this esteemed body.
“We are amplifying our long-standing belief in the power of multilateralism to resolve conflicts, promote justice and realise development that leaves no country or region behind,” he said.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said securing the seat would be a reaffirmation of Zimbabwe’s commitment to upholding peace.
The campaign launch was attended by Cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic community and senior Government officials.
