Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
ZIMBABWE’S bid for the non-permanent seat of the United Nations has been welcomed and described as key in the reform agenda of the global body.
Having served in the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member twice before from 1983 and 1984 and again between 1991 and 1992, Zimbabwe is no novice to the international body and its influence on global geo-politics, multilateralism, and the development agenda.
The launch of the bid by President Emmerson Mnangagwa has already garnered support from SADC, the African Union and nations such as Russia, Iran, and Cuba.
“We have received the message by the President and we welcome it and we support the bid because this is not only Zimbabwe’s bid, but for Africa as well, and this will strengthen our voice as a continent,” Dean of African Diplomats, H.E. James Musoni said.
“As we say in Kenya, Zimbabwe is our good friend and we are supporting our good friends and her aspirations for the continent on a global scale,” Kenyan Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E. Getrude Angote added.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, His Excellency Edward Kallon, also welcomed the bid, saying the theme of ‘Advancing 21st Century Solutions for Global Peace and Security, through Multilateralism’ is apt in today’s world.
“The theme “Advancing 21st Century Solutions for Global Peace and Security, through Multilateralism” is apt in today’s world and Zimbabwe has a traceable track record in peace issues looking at its work in Sudan or even my own country of Sierra Leone that was supported by Zimbabwe’s peace efforts and even looking at its recent chairmanship of SADC it is committed to peace and security all key to the UNSC.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, unpacked the impact of the bid on Zimbabwe’s foreign policy and the aspirations of the National Development Strategy One.
“Zimbabwe’s bid is a reaffirmation of our hope of the future and efforts for multilateralism,” he said.
Countries vying for a non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, whose elections have been set for June next year, include Austria and Germany.
