Zimbabwe 'secures' 134 backers in bid for UNSC seat

Published: 11 hours ago

Zimbabwe has garnered the support of 134 countries in its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), surpassing the minimum 128 votes required for election. The endorsements include all 54 African Union member states, along with 80 other countries secured through reciprocal support arrangements, which involve mutual pledges to back each other's bids in international organisations.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially launched the campaign in Harare last month, with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira following up with a global launch on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Prof Murwira said the support demonstrates confidence in Zimbabwe's candidature and reflects strong diplomatic engagement across multiple regions.

"The minimum threshold that we need is 128, so it means we are already over that threshold," he said, adding that the decisive vote will be held in June 2026 in New York, where all 193 UN member states will cast ballots. Candidates require a two-thirds majority in a secret ballot to secure election.

If successful, Zimbabwe will serve on the UNSC from 2027 to 2028, marking its third tenure on the council, after previously holding non-permanent seats in 1983-1984 and 1991-1992. The country has engaged counterparts from Venezuela, the Philippines, Nicaragua, the UAE, Qatar, Russia, and China as part of its diplomatic outreach.

Zimbabwe's campaign carries continental significance, with support from the African Union and the Southern African Development Community. The country plans to champion Pan-African values, push for UN reforms, and focus on peace and security, greater involvement of women and youth in peacemaking, and promotion of economic development and human rights.

The UNSC consists of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto powers and 10 non-permanent members elected on a rotational basis. Non-permanent members serve two-year terms and influence decisions on conflict resolution, sanctions, and peacekeeping. Officials believe another term on the council would enhance Zimbabwe's influence in global governance and strengthen Africa's representation.
- zimpapers

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