Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
GOVERNMENT says Zimbabwe is on course to secure enough international backing for its bid to win a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, amid growing diplomatic support from member states.
Since formally announcing its candidature, Zimbabwe has intensified diplomatic engagements with countries across the globe, reaching out to 106 of the 193 member states of the United Nations, representing 55 percent of the global body.
The latest diplomatic gains followed Zimbabwe’s participation at the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons held in New York at the end of April.
Represented by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Zimbabwe used the conference to reinforce its campaign by reaffirming commitment to international peace and security, nuclear disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Zimbabwe further enhanced its standing after being elected Vice President of the Review Conference and Vice Chairperson of the Main Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda said the developments reflect growing international confidence in Zimbabwe’s foreign policy thrust centred on peace, multilateralism and international cooperation.
“Regarding Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028, the ministry has successively reached out to 106 out of 193 member countries, representing 55 percent against the initial target of 60 percent,” he said.
Dr Soda said Cabinet approved a report on Zimbabwe’s participation at the nuclear non-proliferation conference, where the country promoted peaceful uses of nuclear technology while advancing its UNSC campaign.
“The visit also provided an opportunity to advance Zimbabwe’s non-permanent seat bid for the United Nations Security Council by highlighting the country’s commitment to peace and security through the full and balanced implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons,” he said.
He added that Zimbabwe’s election to leadership positions at the conference affirmed the country’s standing as a proponent of disarmament and peaceful dispute resolution.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said Zimbabwe is entering the race with strong international support and a commitment to promoting global peace and stability.
“What we are volunteering to do as a country by going to the Security Council is recognising that the world is a troubled place, and Zimbabwe is going to play its part in helping to smooth this troubled place,” he said.
“We have received well over 135 written commitments from countries outside Africa supporting Zimbabwe. We have received support from across the board. So far, we have not had the misfortune of hearing any negatives regarding Zimbabwe’s bid. We are therefore looking forward to a successful election.”
Zimbabwe’s push for a seat on the United Nations Security Council is being viewed as a major milestone in the country’s engagement and re-engagement policy, while also reflecting growing confidence in Harare’s role in regional and international diplomacy.
Zimbabwe previously served on the Security Council between 1983 and 1984, and again from 1991 to 1992.
