The Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia have been elected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, set to begin their two-year term in January 2026. The DRC received 183 votes while Liberia garnered 181, both exceeding the necessary majority. Alongside them, Colombia, Latvia, and Bahrain also won seats on the Council, which plays a crucial role in maintaining global peace.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Liberia have recently been elected as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, following a vote that took place at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday. They will take office in January 2026, serving a term of two years on this pivotal body that addresses global peace and security. This election was significant for both nations as they join the international arena in a greater capacity.
In the vote, the DRC secured an impressive 183 out of 194 votes, while Liberia managed to achieve 181 votes, both surpassing the required two-thirds majority. Notably, Liberia was elected unopposed. The two nations will represent Africa on the Council, part of the so-called A3 group, replacing Mozambique and Sierra Leone as their terms come to an end in December 2025.
In addition to DRC and Liberia, the Security Council also welcomes newcomers Colombia, Latvia, and Bahrain. Their elections were marked by significant voter support, with Colombia receiving 180 votes, Latvia 178, and Bahrain 186. These five will succeed Algeria, Sierra Leone, South Korea, Guyana, and Slovenia in the 15-member Council, which plays a crucial role in international decision-making.
The UN Security Council is distinct in its power, being the only UN body that can issue legally binding resolutions. This includes the ability to enforce sanctions and authorize military interventions when needed. The Council consists of five permanent members — the UK, China, France, Russia, and the United States — all of whom possess veto power over council decisions. They are complemented by ten non-permanent members, who are elected for staggered two-year terms.
To ensure a fair representation, seats on the Council are allocated according to regional blocs. Even though certain elections can be uncontested, candidates are still required to secure a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly to officially claim their seats. In related news, Annalena Baerbock, the former German Foreign Minister, has been elected as the President of the UN General Assembly for its 80th session starting in September 2025, marking another step in global political interactions.
In summary, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia’s election to the UN Security Council highlights a vital development in African representation on global issues of peace and security. Their two-year terms commencing in January 2026 provide an opportunity for these nations to contribute significantly to international diplomacy. Meanwhile, the reconfiguration of the Security Council continues to reflect the need for a more balanced representation among regional powers.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
