By: David Shoombe
Africa’s representation in international decision-making has been strengthened after Zimbabwe was elected on Wednesday as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Zimbabwe was elected unopposed to represent the African Group and will be joined by Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, and Trinidad and Tobago for a two-year term beginning 1 January 2027.
Zimbabwe will replace Somalia on the Council. Under established international law, the Security Council is the only United Nations body empowered to make legally binding decisions, such as imposing sanctions or authorising the use of force.
Reacting to the election, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Amon Murwira, stated that “It is important to refer to what Zimbabwe stands for in terms of our national objective, which is to build a free and sovereign society.”
He added that would only be possible in a world which promotes peaceful co-existence.
Zimbabwe’s election to the Council, as non-permanent member, gives a voice to Southern Africa and adds to the hopes of permanent continental representation.
Even though Zimbabwe and other countries form part of the UNSC, its five permanent members -Great Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States – still hold veto power over international decisions such as sanctions and the deployment of UN soldiers.
The United Nations Charter Article 27(3) states that “Decisions on substantive matters require the affirmative votes of nine members, including the concurring votes of all five permanent members.”
This, consequently, means that an opposing vote by any permanent member blocks the adoption of a resolution.
During the 2025 African Union Summit, United Nations Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres indicated that there was no justification for Africa’s continued lack of permanent representation on the Council.
Guterres showed support for the Council’s reform, arguing that the Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership is “a historical injustice” that must be addressed.
That said, the African Union (AU) has consistently advocated for greater African representation in global governance institutions, having called for at least two permanent seats and additional non-permanent seats on the Council.
In light of Zimbabwe securing a seat as a non-permanent member, its influence on international decision-making remains limited.
With its good intentions for global peace, Zimbabwe’s ability to shape outcomes on critical issues such as international peace and security, trade, sanctions, and conflict resolution will remain constrained, especially when the interests of major powers are involved.
