Mozambique Replaces Kenya At the UN Security Council

Kenya had been in the position since 2021 where Kenya campaigned for the seat on a 10-point agenda, namely: building bridges; regional peace and security; peace support operations; countering terrorism and prevention of violent extremism; humanitarian action; justice, human rights and democracy; women, peace and security; youth and development; environment and climate change agenda; and Sustainable Development Goals agenda. 

Mozambique has taken the position with a promise to prioritize the fight against terrorism. The country will serve on the council as a non-permanent member for the next two years.

"We are going to deal a lot with terrorism," Mozambican ambassador to the UN, Pedro Comissário stated.

Mozambican ambassador to the UN, Pedro Comissário. PHOTO FILE

For the past five years, Mozambique has been fighting an Islamist insurgency in its northern Cabo Delgado province. According to official figures, the conflict has displaced over one million people and killed approximately 4,000 others.

Comissário stated the country would also push for reforms at the Security Council to address "African concerns".

“It is necessary to pay attention to reforming the Security Council to reflect African concerns, a region that has suffered historical injustice. We have no permanent member on the Security Council,” Comissário stated.

The Security Council has five permanent members – the United States of America, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, and China – and 10 non-permanent members.

Kenya previously held the non-permanent seat in 1973-1974 and 1997-1998.