Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
WITH only a few hours remaining before elections for non-permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, Zimbabwe has expressed its readiness to contribute meaningfully to the maintenance of international peace and security.
Speaking during a reception in New York marking the conclusion of Zimbabwe’s campaign this Tuesday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said the country is committed to a world built on peace, security, dialogue, and human dignity guided by the UN Charter.
“Our candidature is incurred on principles, on solid principles. Number one, respect for international law. Two, peaceful coexistence of states and three, the peaceful resolution of international disputes within the auspices of the UN Charter. Zimbabwe sat before on the Security Council, during 1983-1984, 1991-1992. After 35 years, Zimbabwe is ready once again to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security in a world that has changed profoundly, but whose quest for principled multilateralism remains as active as ever. That commitment to peace is rooted in our own national journey, shaped by our conviction on the importance of upholding human dignity, which led to our protracted liberation struggle and the development and adoption of constitutional values that reflect the same,” he said.
He added that Zimbabwe has played its part in contributing towards global peace efforts since 1991.
“Since 1991, Zimbabwe has contributed military personnel, police officers, and experts to the United Nations peace operations across Africa and beyond. Our men and women have served with professionalism, courage, and dedication, supporting stabilisation efforts, protecting vulnerable populations, and contributing to the restoration of peace in conflict-affected areas. We are particularly proud of the growing participation of Zimbabwean women in peace operations.
“Today, nearly half of Zimbabwe’s police officers, military staff, and experts on mission are women. Their service affirms our conviction that women are not only beneficiaries of peace, but they are also makers, defenders, and sustainers of peace. Women give birth to men and women. This experience has deepened our understanding of what durable peace requires. Peace cannot be imported, imposed, or improvised. It must be locally grounded, regionally supported, and internationally sustained,” he said.
He also spoke on what the country will push towards if elected to the Security Council, with reference to silencing the guns globally.
“We will support the world and Africa’s efforts to silence guns, including through strong international cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism, illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons, and transnational organised crime. We will advocate for inclusivity and promote deeper cooperation between the Security Council and regional organisations, recognising that sustainable peace is best achieved when global and regional efforts are aligned.
“Given Africa’s central place on the Council’s agenda, Zimbabwe will work to strengthen the cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, including through predictable and adequate sustainable financing for African Union-led peace support operations. Excellencies, Zimbabwe seeks the UN Security Council seat to save humanity. Zimbabwe believes that every nation, regardless of size or circumstance, has a contribution to make to the international peace and security,” he said.
If selected, Zimbabwe, will serve on the UN Security Council between 2027 and 2028.
