The African Union (AU) has endorsed Somalia as the sole candidate from East Africa for one of the non-permanent seats of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period of 2025-2026.
The decision was made by the AU Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs at its 41st ordinary session held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 15 February 2024.
The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, Mr. Ali Mohamed Omar (Balcad), hailed the AU’s support as a “great success” that will boost Somalia’s reputation and influence in global affairs and crucial decisions.
“This is a historic moment for Somalia and a recognition of our efforts to restore peace, stability and democracy in our country and region,” he said in a statement.
He added that Somalia will work closely with other AU member states and the international community to advance the common interests and values of Africa and the UN.
Somalia last served as a non-permanent member of the UNSC in 1971-1972, when it played a key role in mediating conflicts and promoting cooperation in Africa and beyond.
The UNSC is composed of five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States) and 10 non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms.
The non-permanent seats are allocated according to regional groups, with three for Africa, two for Asia-Pacific, two for Latin America and the Caribbean, two for Western Europe and Others, and one for Eastern Europe.
Somalia will compete with other candidates from its regional group for the endorsement of the UN General Assembly, which is expected to hold the elections in June 2024.
