The DRC and Liberia have been elected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, set to start in January 2026. They received 183 and 181 votes, respectively, and will represent Africa on the Council. Additionally, Annalena Baerbock has been elected as President of the General Assembly for its 80th session.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Liberia have been elected as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—this decision came through a vote conducted on Tuesday by the UN General Assembly. The two nations will officially take their seats in January 2026, serving a two-year term on this influential body, tasked with issues of peace and security globally.
In the election, DRC received an impressive 183 votes out of 194, and Liberia followed closely with 181, easily surpassing the necessary two-thirds majority. They will now represent Africa, as part of the so-called A3 group, succeeding Mozambique and Sierra Leone, whose respective terms will end in December 2025.
Alongside the two African nations, Colombia, Latvia, and Bahrain were also elected, with votes of 180, 178, and 186 respectively. The arrival of these five new members will replace Algeria, Sierra Leone, South Korea, Guyana, and Slovenia in the Council, which consists of 15 total members.
The UN Security Council holds unique authority within the United Nations; it can issue legally binding resolutions, which includes imposing sanctions and authorizing military action. This Council is composed of five permanent members—UK, China, France, Russia, and the US—each holding veto power, and ten non-permanent members who are elected for staggered two-year terms.
Representing geographical diversification is important to the Council, so the seats are allocated among regional groups. Even in uncontested elections, candidates must still achieve the two-thirds majority to confirm their positions in the General Assembly.
Additionally, in other news from the assembly, Annalena Baerbock, the former German Foreign Minister, was elected President of the General Assembly for its 80th session scheduled to begin this September. This election highlights continuing shifts in international diplomacy and governance.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia will be joining the UN Security Council as non-permanent members, beginning their terms in January 2026. Securing their seats with significant voting margins showcases their strengthened positions in international matters. This election also points to the ongoing importance of geographical representation in global governance. Annalena Baerbock’s presidency of the General Assembly adds another layer of change within the UN structure as it approaches its 80th session.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
