United Nations Security Council to Elect New Non-Permanent Members Today

New York – The United Nations General Assembly is today, during its 80th session, voting for the election of five new non-permanent members to join the United Nations Security Council, as the two-year term of the current countries occupying those seats comes to an end, including Somalia.

According to the rules of the Security Council, non-permanent seats are allocated to different regions of the world. The African seat currently held by Somalia is expected to be won by Zimbabwe this year, which is seen as the candidate representing the region.

Somalia won this seat in the election held during the 78th session of the General Assembly, being the only candidate from East Africa. It officially took office on January 1, 2025, with its term ending on December 31, 2026.

This membership marks the second time Somalia has served as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, having previously held this seat from 1971 to 1972.

During Somalia's time on the Security Council, the country achieved significant diplomatic successes, including the lifting of a weapons embargo that had lasted for over thirty years and the completion of the foreign debt relief process.

Officials from the Federal Government of Somalia have stated that membership in the Security Council has elevated the country's role and influence in global peace and security matters, and has contributed to restoring Somalia's diplomatic weight on international platforms.

The election taking place today in New York will determine the countries that will officially replace the outgoing members, who will take office in 2027.