Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE is intensifying its diplomatic offensive to secure a Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term — bolstered by strong endorsements from SADC, the African Union, and global powers including Russia, India and China.
President Mnangagwa is expected to officially launch the bid later this year in Harare and on the world stage during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September.
Securing the seat will be a diplomatic milestone, signifying Zimbabwe’s return to the global centre stage and enabling it to champion regional and continental interests while reshaping its international image.
The UNSC comprises five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The 10 non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. The non-permanent seats are distributed geographically, with five allocated to African and Asian states.
In accordance with Rule 142, the General Assembly elects 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council, five from African and Asian States; one from Eastern European States; two from Latin American States and two from Western European and other States.
Through President Mnangagwa’s Chairmanship of SADC, the country has been commended for fostering regional peace and stability.
In his post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said Zimbabwe’s bid is entrenched in its growing regional influence and its commitment to global peace and security.
“Zimbabwe’s bid for a Non-Permanent Seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term has already been endorsed by both the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the African Union (AU) and will be officially launched by His Excellency the President, Dr E. D. Mnangagwa, in Harare and in New York during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September,” he said.
“The outcome will be the reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to upholding international peace and security as well as the generation of international goodwill towards the country.”
Dr Muswere said Zimbabwe’s bid for a Non-Permanent Seat on the UNSC represents a significant opportunity for the country to elevate its influence on the global stage.
In February, the country’s bid received a major diplomatic boost when Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his support through Ambassador Nikolai Krasilnikov during a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa, underlining Zimbabwe’s growing strategic partnerships.
The non-permanent members serve on a rotational basis.
To pass a resolution, at least nine of the 15 members must vote in favour. However, any of the five permanent members can veto a resolution.
The country last served on the UNSC during the 1991–1992 and 1983–1984 terms.
Securing the seat will be a historic achievement with profound implications for Zimbabwe, Africa, and the broader international community.
The ability to strengthen international influence, represent regional interests, advance multilateralism, secure economic benefits, and counterbalance Western dominance in global affairs underscores the importance of this bid.
For Zimbabwe, it also represents an opportunity to reshape its international image.
Historically, the country has faced diplomatic isolation in the form of illegal sanctions.
A seat on the UNSC will enable Zimbabwe to demonstrate its commitment to peace, security, and international cooperation.
With a position on the Security Council, Zimbabwe can directly participate in crucial discussions affecting global security, including conflict resolution, counter-terrorism, and peacekeeping missions.
In addition to its diplomatic engagements, Zimbabwe is also celebrating strong gains on the agricultural front. The country is expected to harvest 2,2 million tonnes of maize in the 2024/25 season, the fourth-highest yield in its history.
This follows a 6,4 percent increase in land under maize — from 1 728 897 hectares in the 2023/24 season to 1 839 373 hectares this season, surpassing the 1,8 million-hectare target.
“The area under maize increased from 1 728 897 hectares in the 2023/24 season to 1 839 373 hectares in the 2024/25 season. The 6,4 percent increase is marginally above the target of 1,8 million hectares,” said Dr Muswere.
He added that the production of tobacco, cotton and sunflower increased by 15 percent, 52 percent and 303 percent respectively.
The country has also recorded a marginal increase in its national herd, which now stands at 5,7 million cattle representing a 0,4 percent rise from last year with communal areas dominating and accounting for 64 percent of the total cattle population.
“A total of 94 623 tonnes of beef was produced in 2024 compared to 90 000 tonnes in 2023,” said Dr Muswere.
