Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Federal Government of Somalia officially announced its intention on Sunday to compete for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term.

The United Nations Security Council comprises 15 members, including 5 permanent members and 10 elected members.

Somalia is competing for one of the non-permanent seats, which is currently held by Mozambique until December 31, 2024, with the goal of representing the Horn of Africa in the Security Council.

In the upcoming elections, 192 countries are expected to cast their secret votes, and the winning country will require a two-thirds majority, equivalent to 128 votes. The winning country will serve for a two-year term.

Somalia is poised for success as Tanzania, an East African nation, has withdrawn from the race and thrown its full support behind Somalia’s bid, increasing its chances of securing the seat.

The government of Somalia places important emphasis on its representation in international institutions and organizations. A crucial move which is expected to contribute to restoring stability and balance within the country’s governance.

The Security Council’s five permanent members—the United States, Russia, England, France, and China—have veto power, enabling them to block any resolution, irrespective of the support from other member states.

In recent years, criticism of the Security Council’s structure has grown, with several countries proposing changes to the current system, citing concerns related to fairness and consensus.

Last week, Somalia withdrew from the race for the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s presidential elections to support Ms. Tulia Ackson of Tanzania for the position.

Somalia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Ali Balcad, revealed that Tanzania requested Somalia’s withdrawal from the race to support the UN Security Council member and its entry into the East African Community.

Eighteen months ago, we received a Tanzanian delegation that requested our support for the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s presidential position. We pledged our support and agreed on certain issues that were in the interest of Somalia,” Hon. Balcad said.

“We (Somalia) are interested in becoming a member of the United Nations Non-permanent Security Council in 2025 and 2026. Tanzania and Mauritania have also expressed their interest in the seat. We have written a letter to Tanzania, and the Prime Minister also visited Tanzania two months ago to request them to withdraw for us and offer their support. They have responded for us and withdrawn from the race in our favour,” he added.

The Federal Government of Somalia has recently increased its involvement in regional issues, focusing on signing bilateral relationships with its neighbouring countries, particularly in the areas of security and defence.

Despite facing security threats, Somalia has intensified efforts to rebuild its institutions, including defence, security, financial institutions, and judicial services. It has also achieved progress in countering the Al-Shabaab militants and liberated more than120 new locations.