New chapter for Somalia as country officially takes seat on UN Security Council

After winning the elective slot in June last year, Somalia kicked off its two-year term as a non-permanent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) member today.

This marks the second time the country has held that position since its last tenure decades ago between 1971-1972.

Later, security challenges in the country culminated with the ousting of Mohamed Siad Barre as Somalia's president in 1991 and the start of a civil war rocked the country for years followed by the entry of the Al-Shabaab militia whose havoc left the country struggling with its internal security, a challenge that the country has been battling ever since but has made remarkable progress in recent years especially with its major onslaught against the militia that kicked off in August 2022.

Upbeat about the move, Somalia hopes to use the position to influence regional security and advance counter-terrorism efforts by pushing for funding for the new African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which kicked off operations Wednesday.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud then announced that the country's election to UNSC is an opportunity for Somalia to promote peace and security in the world.

"The diplomatic success we have reached today translates to how the world is witnessing the efforts and development of Somalia, especially the recovery and rebuilding of our country," he said in a statement.

In his address to the General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre urged the international community to support innovative funding solutions to ensure the success of peacekeeping missions that are facing financial challenges owing to competing security demands and shifting geopolitical interests.

He emphasised the critical need for sustainable funding for peacekeeping, particularly in Somalia, where African Union forces have played a vital role in combating terrorism.

#Somalia has been elected to the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term. This significant achievement highlights the country’s unique diplomatic efforts and its unwavering commitment to global peace.#Somali #UN #UNSC #NewYork pic.twitter.com/sCmCILUWpV

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇸🇴 (@MOFASomalia) June 6, 2024

Somalia's Minister for Information, culture, and Tourism noted that with the entry of Somalia to the UNSC decision-making table, the country stares at the potential for long-term stability, progress, and prosperity.

Elevate global standing

"Being part of UNSC will elevate Somalia's global standing, providing a platform to advocate for not only national issues but also for broader African interests. This is a chance to push for policies that attract investment and aid, fueling economic growth and development,"

The UNSC is mandated with maintaining international peace and security through actions like mediation and dispatching of peacekeepers, issuing ceasefire directives, arms embargoes, travel bans, economic sanctions, and so forth in a bid to solve international problems and promote respect for human rights.

All UN member states are obliged to implement any decision that the council makes.

As a non-permanent member, Somalia will join 15 other countries in contributing to the formulation of resolutions and decisions on issues related to international security and peace.

The United States, United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia are permanent members with veto powers on major issues.

While the 10 other slots are reserved for the rest of the countries to join bi-annually on a rotational basis. The new term will also include Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, and Panama.

Somalia will act as the spokesperson for the East African region's members as the seat is meant to be representative of the region's interests.

Due to the ongoing war against Al-Shabaab in the country, Somalia has endured two decades of sanctions and embargoes. An embargo against purchasing weapons was lifted last year.