Zim in final push as it eyes United Nations Security Council seat

Source: Zim in final push as it eyes United Nations Security Council seat – herald

Debra Matabvu

PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA is expected to dispatch Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira as his special envoy to Eastern Europe and other parts of Europe as Zimbabwe intensifies its diplomatic campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027-2028 term.

Zimbabwe, which is Africa’s sole candidate, has already secured backing from more than 130 countries, including all 54 African union member states, placing it in a strong position as the June 3 election approaches.

The 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC are elected by the United Nations General Assembly, which comprises 193 member states.

Voting is conducted by secret ballot, with candidates required to secure a two-thirds majority — at least 128 votes — even if running unopposed.

In recent months, the country has secured additional support from countries in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, including St Lucia, Jamaica, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, the Dominican Republic and Barbados.

As part of the campaign, Zimbabwe hosted a high-level delegation of United Nations Permanent Representatives from across the Pacific, Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Europe between April 10 and 15.

The visit was aimed at giving diplomats a first-hand appreciation of Zimbabwe’s peace architecture, development trajectory and commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Prof Murwira said the country would further intensify engagements in the lead-up to the elections.

Securing support from European countries is seen as a critical, though not decisive, factor in Zimbabwe’s bid, given the historically strained relations between Harare and Brussels following the Land Reform Programme of the early 2000s.

Those tensions, which led to the imposition of sanctions on Harare, have over the past two decades shaped voting dynamics in multilateral platforms.

However, failure to secure broad European backing would not be fatal to Zimbabwe’s chances, as the country has already built a strong support base across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and other regions that could still deliver the required two-thirds majority.

Importantly, relations between Zimbabwe and Europe have been steadily thawing under the Second Republic, creating a more favourable diplomatic environment.

The European union (EU) has progressively eased unilateral measures, with most sanctions having been lifted in recent years, while political dialogue has resumed under formal re-engagement frameworks.

At the same time, economic ties have been strengthening, with growing trade under platforms such as the Economic Partnership Agreement, increased development cooperation and renewed investor interest from European companies.

This improving relationship is widely viewed as enhancing Zimbabwe’s prospects of securing broad European support ahead of the vote.

Zimbabwe, Prof Murwira added, would also use Independence Day commemorations at its embassies worldwide to promote its candidature, while final campaign activities would be conducted in New York.

“As part of our Independence Day commemorations at embassies across the world, we will also amplify the message that Zimbabwe is ready to contribute meaningfully to global peace and security,” he said.

“In addition, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, acting on behalf of His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, will engage diplomats based in South Africa to further promote Zimbabwe’s candidature ahead of the vote.

“Thereafter, we will return to New York to conclude our campaign activities alongside other countries contesting seats from different regions.”

Prof Murwira expressed confidence that Zimbabwe would secure the seat.

He said Zimbabwe’s candidature was anchored in its historical and ongoing contribution to global peace and security.

“At a time when the global geopolitical landscape is shifting and conflicts persist, Zimbabwe believes its candidature is both timely and relevant.

“We are offering ourselves as part of the global peace architecture, contributing to efforts to promote stability and cooperation. Our foreign policy is anchored in several key pillars, with peace and security at the centre.

A peaceful global environment is essential for advancing trade, promoting tourism, fostering cultural cooperation and supporting collaboration in science, technology, education and innovation.”

The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, mandated to maintain international peace and security.

Its responsibilities include establishing peacekeeping missions, imposing sanctions and authorising military action.

It comprises 15 members, five of which — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — are permanent members with veto power, while the remaining 10 are elected on a rotational basis.

If successful, Zimbabwe will serve on the council for the 2027-2028 term, giving it a platform to influence key global security decisions.

Zimbabwe previously served on the UNSC in 1983-1984 and 1991-1992, where it advocated for self-determination, democracy and the development of Africa, while playing a role in international efforts against apartheid in South Africa.