by STAFF WRITER
ZIMBABWE won a seat on the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, a diplomatic prize that President Emmerson Mnangagwa hailed as proof that his controversial re-engagement drive is winning over the world.
“Today, Zimbabwe marks a significant diplomatic milestone as the nation has been elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council,” the President said in a statement carried by Xinhua, China’s state news agency.
The victory, he added, “underscores the effectiveness of Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement agenda, demonstrating the global community’s confidence in Zimbabwe’s leadership and commitment to international peace.”
Zimbabwe secured its two-year term for 2027-28 in the first round of voting by the General Assembly, taking one of five non-permanent seats up for grabs.
Austria, Portugal and Trinidad and Tobago also won on the first ballot. Kyrgyzstan went on to defeat the Philippines after three further rounds, Xinhua reported, leaving seven candidates to contest the five slots.
It is the third time Zimbabwe will serve on the council, following stints in 1983-84 and 1991-92.
The new members will replace Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia on January 1st 2027.
President Mnangagwa framed the seat as a chance to amplify African interests.
“Zimbabwe is poised to contribute meaningfully to international peace, security and multilateral cooperation, championing a fairer and more equitable global order while amplifying Africa’s voice,” he said.
To win, a candidate needs a two-thirds majority of UN member states present and voting—a minimum of 129 votes if all 193 members take part.
The ten non-permanent seats are divvied up by regional groupings and half are replaced each year.
The five countries elected this week represent the African, Asia-Pacific, Latin American and Caribbean, and Western European and Others groups.
The East European seat, currently held by Latvia until 2027, was not contested this cycle.
The Security Council is the UN’s most powerful body, able to impose legally binding sanctions and authorise military action to maintain international peace.
Permanent seats are held by America, Britain, China, France and Russia.
Do you have a story to share? Email bchiketo@gmail.com