MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – In a historic turn of events, Somalia has been elected to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the second time in half a century during a vote held by the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday.
The announcement was met with a wave of optimism and support from the Horn of Africa country’s political elite. Somalia’s election to the Security Council signifies a significant step forward in its diplomatic stature on the world stage.
In a statement issued following the announcement, Somali political office at the UN expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence placed in Somalia by the member states of the United Nations, saying that the war-torn nation will use its two-year term on the UNSC to “upholding international law and the amplification of all voices within the council.”
Somalia previously served on the Security Council in 1970, 10 years after gaining independence from colonial rule. However, the country’s subsequent descent into civil war and political turmoil overshadowed its diplomatic ambitions for decades.
As a non-permanent member of the Security Council, Somalia will have the opportunity to participate in crucial decision-making processes regarding international conflicts and crises.
Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has welcomed Somalia’s return to the Security Council, viewing it as a sign of hope and progress for a nation that has endured immense hardships.
“Congratulations to the people of Somalia on the election of our great nation to the UN Security Council as a Non Permanent member state for 2024-25,” Farmajo tweeted.
“This was a hard fought battle which we initiated in 2018 and has come to be realised today. Somalia is resilient and strong.”
