Mozambique vying for UN Security Council seat

Harare (AIM-New Ziana) -Mozambique will apply to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council with the approval of the African Union, which has expressed its full confidence in the ability of the country to effectively represent the interests of the continent.

“The importance that we dedicate to national, continental and international peace and security has impelled us to apply, on behalf of the continent, for a non-permanent member [seat] on the UN Security Council, a harmonized option in the region,” President Nyusi said on Saturday.

He was speaking during the 34th Ordinary Session of the African Union Heads of State and Government, which was held virtually in Maputo on Saturday and Sunday under the motto “Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want.”

The UN Security Council is made up of five permanent members namely China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America as well as 10 non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for a term of two years.

In accordance with rule 142 of the rules of procedure, the General Assembly elects five non-permanent members of the Security Council every year, five for groups from African and Asian countries, one for the Eastern European group, two for Latin America and the Caribbean, two for Western European countries and others.

Turning to peace and security, President Nyusi reiterated the commitment of his country to keep the AU Peace and Security Council regularly informed about the terrorism situation in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, which, in addition to causing fatalities, has displaced thousands of people.

President Nyusi said he was equally sure of the commitment of the AU Heads of State and Government in repudiating terrorism and expressing the firm intention to eradicate the agents of evil and their catalysts, wherever they hide on the continent.

“My people are grateful for the support that we have been receiving in the face of the humanitarian vicissitudes, the deaths and destruction perpetuated by these faceless actors,” he said, adding that peace and security remained a huge challenge for the continent.

AIM-New Ziana