Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
JAMAICA has expressed support for Zimbabwe’s bid to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council(UNSC), emphasising the importance of a strong voice for developing nations within multilateral institutions.
The development follows a meeting between Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, and Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Honourable Horace Chang, held this Tuesday to rally support for the candidature.
Professor Murwira said Zimbabwe values its longstanding relations with Jamaica, dating back to independence in 1980, anchored on shared cultural and political ties. He noted that Zimbabwe’s bid is backed by the African Union, positioning the country to promote global peace and amplify the voice of developing nations within the United Nations system.
“His Excellency found it necessary to reach out to Jamaica specifically because of Jamaica’s strong leadership role in the Caribbean and within the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, to which we both belong. Our countries have built a strong and constructive relationship, particularly within multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Group of 77 and China. Jamaica’s advocacy for reforming the international financial architecture is well appreciated,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is vying for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC. We believe this is important for maintaining world peace and serving as a voice for global stability. We have been selected by the African Union as the sole candidate for the African slot for 2027-2028. This represents a unified African position endorsed by African Heads of State and Government, as well as by SADC. The President believes that Jamaica, given its strategic leadership, can engage other Caribbean countries to support Zimbabwe’s candidature in the elections to be held on June 3 this year.”
In response, Honourable Chang welcomed Zimbabwe’s candidature and pledged support, including engaging other Caribbean nations.
“We welcome Zimbabwe’s candidacy for the UNSC. It is important that developing countries maintain a strong voice within multilateral institutions. We value the longstanding diplomatic relationship and the cooperation within the African, Caribbean and Pacific framework. These relationships have been effectively maintained over the years, and we look forward to strengthening partnerships across a number of areas. We have previously partnered successfully on international candidatures, and we look forward to doing so again,” he said.
“While global geopolitics may shift, these institutions remain critical spaces for unity and collective advocacy. We look forward to working with Zimbabwe and other African countries to address shared challenges, including security concerns such as organised crime, which affects countries globally in different ways. We are pleased to support a stronger multilateral voice for developing nations.”
Zimbabwe is seeking election to the UNSC in June, backed by regional and continental bodies as it positions itself as a voice for greater equity in global governance.
Meanwhile, Professor Murwira and his delegation visited the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, underscoring the enduring cultural ties between Zimbabwe and Jamaica.
The museum, dedicated to reggae icon Bob Marley, symbolises resistance and Pan-African solidarity. His song “Zimbabwe” remains historically significant, having been performed during the country’s independence celebrations in 1980.
