Zimbabwe’s diplomatic campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has gained significant momentum, with 134 countries pledging their support — well above the 128 votes required to guarantee victory. The milestone marks a major diplomatic achievement for Harare and signals growing international confidence in Zimbabwe’s global engagement efforts.
According to information obtained by The Sunday Mail, Zimbabwe has secured the unanimous backing of all 54 African Union (AU) member states, as well as 80 additional countries through reciprocal voting arrangements. These agreements — common practice in multilateral diplomacy — involve countries pledging mutual support for each other’s candidacies within international organisations, effectively building coalitions to ensure shared success.
The development places Zimbabwe in a strong position ahead of the decisive June 2026 vote in New York, where all 193 UN member states will cast secret ballots. A two-thirds majority, or at least 128 votes, is needed for election to the UNSC, even in cases where a country is running unopposed.
If successful, Zimbabwe will serve on the Council for the 2027–2028 term, marking its third tenure on the powerful body responsible for maintaining international peace and security. The country previously served two stints — from 1983 to 1984 and again from 1991 to 1992 — during which it championed African unity, anti-apartheid efforts, and calls for greater representation of developing nations in global governance.
Zimbabwe Secures 134 Backers in Bid for UN Security Council Seat
Zimbabwe’s campaign was formally launched in Harare last month by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, followed by a global launch on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The international rollout was spearheaded by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, who presented Zimbabwe’s case to the global diplomatic community.
Speaking during the campaign’s unveiling, Prof Murwira expressed optimism, saying the endorsements demonstrated widespread confidence in Zimbabwe’s ability to contribute meaningfully to global peace and security.
“Just to do the math, Africa alone has 54 countries that are supporting us through the African Union. Outside of the continent, we have signed reciprocal support arrangements with 80 other nations,” Murwira explained. “That gives us 134 backers — already exceeding the threshold of 128. This early success shows that our message is resonating internationally.”
During the UNGA, Prof Murwira held a series of high-level bilateral engagements with counterparts from across the world — including Venezuela, Nicaragua, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar — all of whom pledged support for Harare’s campaign.
“We have been engaging nations from all regions,” Murwira said. “We met with the Philippines from the Pacific, Nicaragua and Venezuela from South America, and foreign ministers from Qatar and the UAE in the Middle East. We also deepened our cooperation with traditional allies such as Russia and China.”
The minister described the global outreach as a success, noting the enthusiasm Zimbabwe’s campaign generated during the New York event. “We had planned for about 200 delegates, but the turnout exceeded our expectations, with well over 200 representatives in attendance. The reception was fantastic,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s candidacy carries both national and continental significance, as it has been endorsed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union. The unified support from the continent underscores Zimbabwe’s positioning as a Pan-African advocate pushing for reform within the UN system.
“Zimbabwe is a Pan-African nation committed to advancing Africa’s shared values and priorities,” Murwira stated. “Our mission is to champion reform of the United Nations, especially the Security Council, to ensure fairer representation of African voices. We will focus on promoting peace and security, the inclusion of women and youth in peace processes, and sustainable economic development as integral components of global stability.”
The campaign’s official theme, “Advancing 21st Century Solutions for Global Peace and Security through Multilateralism,” reflects Harare’s intention to promote dialogue, inclusivity, and collective action in addressing contemporary global challenges.
The UN Security Council is composed of 15 members — five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) who hold veto powers, and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. These rotating members play a key role in shaping decisions on conflict resolution, peacekeeping missions, sanctions, and humanitarian interventions.
For Zimbabwe, a return to the Council represents both an opportunity and a platform to reassert its influence in global affairs. The move comes amid President Mnangagwa’s broader diplomatic strategy to “re-engage and reassert Zimbabwe’s place in the international community” after years of isolation.
Officials say another term on the UNSC would allow Harare to push for reforms, amplify Africa’s collective voice, and promote a fairer global order that reflects modern geopolitical realities.
“Zimbabwe’s return to the Security Council will not just be a national achievement — it will be a victory for Africa,” Murwira said. “We are confident that our experience, commitment to peace, and belief in multilateral cooperation will make a meaningful contribution to the Council’s work.”
As the 2026 election approaches, Zimbabwe’s diplomatic machinery is expected to intensify outreach and consolidate support across regions, ensuring that when voting day comes, Harare’s return to the global stage is both decisive and historic.
Source- Heraldonline
