United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres (right) meets with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia at UN world headquarters in New York Sept. 23, 2022.  (Credit:  UN photo / Jaclyn Licht) 

By Gary Raynaldo   –   DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

UNITED NATIONS  –   NEW  YORK  –    Somalia has won a seat on the powerful United Nations Security Council.  Somalia was elected on Thursday to serve a two-year term on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member, starting January 1. Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, and Panama were also elected to the Security Council in a secret ballot in the General Assembly. It is a historical achievement for the small Horn-of-Africa nation known for being in the grip of civil war for decades, maritime piracy, and battling terrorism on its soil.  Somalia last served on the UN Security Council more than 50 years ago from 1970 to 1972.

Ahmed Moallin Fiqi Ahmed, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, briefs reporters June 6, 2024 after Somalia  was elected non-permanent member of the Security Council for 2025 – 2026. (Credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe)  

“Today marks a milestone in the history of our great nation. Our tenure will be guided by the full commitment to multilateralism and respect of the principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter.”

-Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Somalia told reporters after historic election.

The new members will join existing non-permanent members Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia, whose terms started on 1 January. The five permanent Council members, each wielding veto power, are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Somalia has been in the grip of civil since 1991, following the overthrow of President Mohamed Siad Barre. Somalia has in recent years faced an insurgency by the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militant group, as well as wide-spread famine and maritime piracy.  Many believe Somalia is making progress from war toward a path to peace and stability.

“Somalia has come a long way over the past three decades on its path to peace, prosperity, and security.  Election to a seat on the Security Council is recognition of that commendable progress,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan.

“Somalia’s experiences place it in a unique position to contribute to Council deliberations on international peace and security,” he added. 

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres congratulated Somalia on its election to the UNSC during a meeting Friday during which he praised the nation’s progress in recent years despite ongoing challenges.  The UN chief also acknowledged the “vital role”  Somalia plays in regional stability and its efforts to “combat extremism and foster economic resilience.”