UN Council welcomes five new member nations

    0
    0

    UNITED NATIONS — On Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council welcomed five new countries to join its ranks for two-year terms commencing in January. The 193-member General Assembly conducted a secret-ballot election for these coveted rotating seats on the 15-member council. Bahrain secured 186 votes, Congo received 183 votes, Liberia got 181 votes, Colombia achieved 180 votes, and Latvia collected 178 votes.

    Marking its debut as a council member, Latvia, a nation that regained independence following the Soviet Union’s disintegration in 1991, is gearing up for its new role. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže expressed that Latvia’s past experiences equip them with the ability to empathize and form alliances with regions worldwide. She emphasized the country’s understanding of the preciousness of freedom and the delicate nature of peace, along with the importance of multilateralism in maintaining it.

    Braže highlighted Latvia’s dedication to working towards enduring peace in Ukraine and addressing suffering in conflict zones including the Middle East, Gaza, and across Africa.

    Bahrain secured another term on the council as the Arab representative. Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani stated that this election underscores Bahrain’s commitment to contributing actively to global peace and security efforts. He identified establishing peace in their region as a key objective, emphasizing that resolving the longstanding Palestinian-Israeli conflict is crucial. Al Zayani called for a ceasefire and a large-scale humanitarian effort in Gaza, alongside releasing hostages from the incident on October 7, 2023, while urging progress toward a two-state solution and a viable Palestinian state.

    The Security Council, responsibilized by the U.N. Charter with ensuring global peace and security, has struggled in major conflicts due to the veto powers of Russia concerning Ukraine and that of the United States, a close ally of Israel, regarding Gaza.

    Despite multiple attempts to reform the Security Council to align with contemporary geopolitical dynamics as of 2025, no changes have been successful. The council remains unchanged with five permanent members wielding veto power — the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France — along with 10 elected members representing various U.N. regional groups. Notably, this setup lacks a permanent seat for either Africa or Latin America and the Caribbean.

    The council undergoes a partial renewal yearly, with the newly elected members set to replace Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia come January.

    Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner from Congo, which will be undertaking its third term on the council, stated that Congo’s election is a testament to Africa’s solidarity and rightful influence over the global peace agenda. When queried about ongoing armed conflicts in Congo’s resource-rich east, she noted that Congo brings invaluable insight into the intricacies of enduring conflict, challenges faced in U.N. peacekeeping, civilian protection, and the nexus between conflict, natural resources, and environmental shifts.

    Liberia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Deweh Gray expressed her country’s firm commitment to effect meaningful change and tackle immense global issues such as conflict, inequality, and climate change, marking the country’s first stint on the council since 1961. “Liberia’s vote is a vote for Africa,” she proclaimed, affirming alignment with Africa’s united stance.

    Colombia’s U.N. Ambassador Leonor Zalabata called on all nations to work collectively and harmoniously with nature to secure peace and safeguard human rights. She urged continued collaboration on the global stage to achieve these critical goals.