from MARCUS MUSHONGA in Harare, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Bureau
HARARE, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE has been elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term beginning 1 January 2027, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for the Southern African nation and the African continent.
The election was conducted by secret ballot at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where member states voted to fill five rotating seats on the 15-member Security Council.
Zimbabwe secured the seat allocated to the African Group after obtaining the required two-thirds majority of votes from UN member states.
The Security Council is the UN’s most powerful body and is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It can adopt legally binding resolutions, impose sanctions and authorise the use of force.
Zimbabwe joins Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal and Trinidad and Tobago, which were also elected to serve from 2027 to 2028.
Germany was the only unsuccessful candidate, losing out to Austria and Portugal in the Western European and Others Group contest.
Kyrgyzstan defeated the Philippines in a closely watched race for the Asia-Pacific seat.
The election is expected to strengthen Africa’s voice on global peace and security matters at a time when the continent continues to advocate reforms of the Security Council.
African governments have long argued that the continent, despite comprising 54 countries, remains underrepresented in the UN’s most influential decision-making body.
Political analysts believe Zimbabwe’s presence on the Council could provide an opportunity for Africa to advance positions on conflict resolution, peacekeeping, terrorism, climate-related security threats and sustainable development.
The seat also offers Harare a platform to contribute to debates affecting the continent and the wider Global South.
Regional observers have welcomed the development, saying Zimbabwe’s election reflects growing confidence among UN member states in Africa’s capacity to participate in shaping international security policy.
They noted that non-permanent members, while lacking veto powers held by the five permanent members, still play an important role in negotiations, agenda-setting and the drafting of resolutions.
Zimbabwe’s term will run until 31 December 2028.
– CAJ News