Zimbabwe guns for UN security council seat

Harare Bureau

ZIMBABWE has launched a global campaign to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member, with the country’s candidature likely to be endorsed by the African Union (AU) early next year.

Zimbabwe is bidding for one of the two seats set aside for the African group of countries that will be up for contest in June next year. If successful, Zimbabwe will sit on one of the UN’s principal organs responsible for maintenance of international peace and security between 2027 and 2028, handing the country expanded authority to influence international affairs.

The country has previously sat on the UNSC on two separate occasions: from 1983-1984 and between 1991 and 1992. In a major boost to Zimbabwe’s bid, the AU Executive Council recently received the country’s application for early consideration to sit on the Security Council, with the continental body “expressing confidence” in the country’s standing to assume the post. The Executive Council is the highest decision-making body of the AU between summits.

“Zimbabwe has declared its candidature to the African Union, and has requested for early consideration from the Executive Council,” said Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson Mr Livit Mugejo.

“It is the turn of southern Africa to occupy the non-permanent seat, for a two-year term. The candidature of Zimbabwe may be endorsed at the next session of the Executive Council in 2024. Campaign and lobbying will start in earnest, after the endorsement by the African Union. In preparation for the full-fledged campaign, we have begun informing the international community of our intention to run for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council.”

The UNSC is composed of 15 countries, five of which — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — are permanent members, granting them the right to veto any resolution or decision. The 10 non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly, which comprises all 193 UN member states.

Voting is conducted by secret ballot and candidates must receive a two-thirds majority, or 128 votes, even if they run uncontested.