Somalia, along with Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, and Panama, was elected to serve a two-year term on the UN Security Council, starting January 1st, 2025.
This prestigious role grants these nations a voice in shaping international security decisions.
The Security Council, tasked with maintaining global peace, comprises 15 members.
Five permanent members (Britain, China, France, Russia, and the US) hold veto power, while the remaining 10 are elected for two-year terms in a staggered fashion.
This year’s election was uncontested, raising concerns from Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The organization argues that unopposed elections undermine the very concept of democratic choice and allow countries with questionable human rights records to gain a seat unchallenged.
Notably, HRW highlighted Russia’s ally Belarus losing a competitive election for a Security Council seat last year due to its support for the Ukraine invasion.
Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi pledged commitment to multilateralism and respect for international law.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Security Council and regional organizations like the African Union.
Meanwhile, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgios Gerapetritis stressed his nation’s potential to bridge divides between various regions.
The incoming members will replace Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland.
They will join the five non-permanent members elected last year: Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and South Korea.
This development underscores the importance of a robust Security Council with diverse representation.
However, concerns regarding uncontested elections and potential human rights violations by member states remain unaddressed.
