Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
ZIMBABWE’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council is gathering momentum, as the Second Republic steps up diplomatic efforts across key regions worldwide.
The latest engagement in the Caribbean has generated strong backing, bolstering Harare’s drive, which is anchored on multilateral cooperation and inclusive global engagement.
Zimbabwe aims to secure sufficient votes on June 3 this year to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
In line with this aspiration, the President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, deployed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, as his special envoy tasked with seeking support from different countries and regional blocs.
First, he engaged the Pacific, followed by the Caribbean, where Zimbabwe’s bid was well endorsed.
“Our strategy was two-pronged: one, to strengthen bilateral relations, and at the same time, to talk about the multilateral environment in which we were appealing for their support for Zimbabwe’s candidature in the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. This Caribbean (CARICOM) leg has been very successful. His Excellency’s strategy of reaching out to this region has worked very well. On the bilateral front, we were able to propose a memorandum of understanding for diplomatic relations with Barbados.
“We also sealed an agreement on the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation with St. Kitts and Nevis and proposed similar arrangements with Guyana to advance our global engagement strategy, particularly regarding the Caribbean. We also discussed the possibility of establishing more embassy installations in the Caribbean region. Currently, we only have representation in Cuba and Canada, where ambassadors are accredited to multiple countries in the region.
“It has been agreed that this is a matter His Excellency must consider, ensuring Zimbabwe is properly represented across key strategic regions of the world. Ultimately, this is part of Zimbabwe’s broader global strategy of leaving no place, no one, no country, and no region behind. We are working toward a resurgent Zimbabwe that is fully integrated into the international community, not just in words, but in action,” Professor Amon Murwira said.
The President’s special envoy is also expected to represent him in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, at the Summit of the Organisation of African, Pacific and Caribbean (APC) nations.
Professor Murwira says the meeting will further cement Zimbabwe’s support from Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean nations.
“Next, we are going to Equatorial Guinea, where the Summit of the Organisation of African, Pacific, and Caribbean (APC) nations will take place. That is where we will seal our campaign in these regions. After that, we will move on to other parts of the world to ensure that Zimbabwe sends a clear message: that we are an integral member of the United Nations, we stand by the Charter, we are a friend to all and an enemy to none. We believe this position enables us to contribute to fostering and maintaining world peace alongside others in the United Nations Security Council,” he said.
If Zimbabwe wins the June elections, it will be the third time that the country will sit on the UNSC, having been a non-permanent member twice before, between 1983-1984 and 1991-1992.
