Story by Owen Mandovha
ZIMBABWE will use its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to champion Africa’s long-standing demand for permanent representation and veto power on the powerful global body, Cabinet has announced.
The country’s diplomatic agenda emerged during Tuesday’s Post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare, where the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere outlined government priorities following Zimbabwe’s election to the Security Council.
The development comes after Zimbabwe secured an overwhelming 96 percent of votes cast by United Nations member states, earning a non-permanent seat on the UNSC and marking one of the country’s most significant diplomatic successes in recent years.
Cabinet considered and approved a roadmap that will guide Zimbabwe’s engagement on the Security Council, with a particular focus on advancing Africa’s interests in global governance and contributing to efforts to reform international institutions.
The government says the position provides Zimbabwe with a strategic platform to influence international decision-making and strengthen Africa’s voice on matters of peace, security and development.
Speaking on the significance of the achievement, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Professor Amon Murwira said Zimbabwe’s presence on the Security Council would yield tangible benefits beyond diplomacy.
Professor Murwira said the country’s elevated international standing would help improve trade prospects, attract investment and support industrialisation efforts by reducing perceptions of risk in global markets.
The Cabinet also turned its attention to domestic priorities, approving a drought mitigation roadmap ahead of forecasts of another severe agricultural season.
Government is preparing a package of measures to cushion citizens and protect food security, including significant purchases for the Strategic Grain Reserve.
Meanwhile, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka told Cabinet that tobacco deliveries are expected to exceed last year’s figures despite challenges facing the sector.
Dr Masuka said future policy interventions will focus on improving efficiency, productivity and value addition as government seeks to shield farmers from the impact of lower international tobacco prices.
Cabinet also noted and approved a report on the retreat of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministers of Foreign Affairs held in South Africa last month.
The regional meeting focused on strategies to address obstacles to economic development, deepen regional cooperation and accelerate Pan-African solidarity.
Zimbabwe’s election to the Security Council is expected to further strengthen the country’s diplomatic footprint as it seeks to advance both national and continental interests on the global stage.
