DRC and Liberia Elected as Non-Permanent Members of UN Security Council
The UN Security Council has elected the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia as non-permanent members starting January 2026. DRC secured 183 votes, while Liberia obtained 181, both exceeding the required majority. They will replace Mozambique and Sierra Leone. Also elected were Colombia, Latvia, and Bahrain. This is significant for African representation within the Council, which influences global security issues.
The United Nations Security Council has elected the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Liberia as non-permanent members. This decision was made during a vote conducted at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday. Both nations will begin their two-year term starting in January 2026, marking a notable development in Africa’s representation within the Council, which plays a critical role in global peace and security decisions.
The DRC garnered an impressive 183 votes out of a possible 194, while Liberia managed to secure 181 votes, exceeding the two-thirds majority required for election—even though they went unchallenged in this round. They will take over from Mozambique and Sierra Leone, whose terms will conclude in December 2025. Together, these nations, along with Colombia, Latvia, and Bahrain, who were also elected, will bolster Africa’s voice on the Council.
The Security Council is unique among UN bodies, as it holds the power to pass legally binding resolutions, which can include sanctions and military intervention plans. It is made up of five permanent members—namely the United Kingdom, China, France, Russia, and the United States, all of whom possess veto power. In addition, there are ten elected non-permanent members, like the DRC and Liberia, who serve staggered terms of two years.
The election was part of a broader effort to maintain regional representation within the Council, ensuring a geographical balance as members are distributed among various regional blocs. Even in uncontested elections, candidates must achieve a two-thirds vote from the General Assembly to claim their seat.
In other news from the UN, former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was elected as President for the upcoming 80th session of the 193-member Assembly, which will start in September. This election highlights ongoing shifts in leadership within significant international institutions and reflects changing geopolitical dynamics.
This moment marks an important milestone for both DRC and Liberia, positioning them to influence crucial global conversations about safety, security, and international relations. As they prepare for this new role, the eyes of both their nations and the world will be focused on how they will use their voices on the Security Council in the years to come.
In summary, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia have been elected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, starting their terms in January 2026. With strong votes and an aim to bolster African representation, their election reflects ongoing efforts for balanced international governance. They follow Mozambique and Sierra Leone and will join other elected members like Colombia and Bahrain. This shift is closely watched as it will contribute to the discourse on peace and security globally.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
