Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Nordic countries have thrown their weight behind Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027-2028 term.
The endorsement emerged during the 22nd Africa-Nordic Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Victoria Falls on Friday, signalling growing international confidence in Zimbabwe’s re-engagement efforts.
The show of support comes just a week after Zimbabwe successfully launched its bid at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, officially launched the campaign on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe’s bid is anchored on a platform of reinforcing multilateralism as the primary tool for conflict resolution.
The nation has pledged to champion the promotion of global peace and security through the peaceful settlement of disputes, enhanced regional cooperation, and the meaningful inclusion of women and youth in peace processes.
The backing from the Nordic bloc, known for its staunch advocacy for international law and human rights, is therefore a pivotal development.
In an interview on the sidelines of the meeting, the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Espen Barth Eide, left no doubt about his region’s position.
“I think Zimbabwe will be a very strong candidate and we always are very eager to see what the African countries themselves propose, and we will very much take the lead of the African community, so we will be very supportive as we have been before,” he said.
Mr Eide also connected the immediate candidacy to the broader, long-term goal of UN reform.
“I should say that, although your question is about the rotating seats, Norway and the North Africa, although the Nordics are also very in favour of permanent African seats in the Security Council in the long run, so that’s also part of the conversation around UN reform,” he said.
This Nordic endorsement aligns with the prior unanimous endorsements Zimbabwe has received from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), solidifying its position as the continent’s candidate.
Elaborating on the nation’s aspirations, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Murwira, articulated a vision rooted in the country’s principles and experiences.
“Guided by the commitment to peace, Zimbabwe has presented its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027–2028, determined to share its experiences and make its contribution in promoting a safe and secure world,” said Professor Murwira.
“We trust that our candidature merits the invaluable support of all Nordic countries at the election to be held in June 2026.”
Prof Murirwa emphasised Zimbabwe’s foreign policy doctrine of being a friend to all and an enemy to none, a pronouncement he said underscores Zimbabwe’s historical journey and its aspirations and trajectory for fostering peace, mutual respect and cooperation on the global stage.
“With a seat on the Security Council, Zimbabwe will draw on its many years of constructive involvement in regional and international peace and security initiatives, to positively contribute to shaping the UN’s action on contemporary peace and security challenges,” he said.
With the crucial Nordic backing, Zimbabwe’s campaign for a seat at the world’s premier security table gains formidable momentum as it prepares for the final election in June 2026.
