Adedokun Waliyu 
Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has welcomed the country’s election to the 15-member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term starting in 2025.
The president made the welcome remarks in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
According to him, for Somalia to be among the five countries that received the winning votes for UNSC non-permanent would enable the country to regain its global status.
Mohamud said the historic vote shows how the world perceives development and governance taking place in the country.
He said that Somalia, alongside Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, and Panama, would for the first time in 50 years, receive the winning votes for UNSC non-permanent seats.
He said the countries would influence global affairs in terms of peace and conflicts.
“The diplomatic success we have reached today translates to how the world is witnessing the efforts and development of Somalia, especially the recovery and rebuilding of our country,” he said.
The election is an opportunity for Somalia to take part in the promotion of peace and security in the world, Mohamud said.
United Nations Security Council, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, PUNCH Online reports.
Meanwhile, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has also congratulated Somalia on the country’s election as a non-permanent member of the UNSC.
African Union Special Representative for Somalia and Head of ATMIS Mohamed El-Amine Souef said the election is a clear demonstration of the trust and confidence the UN member countries have in Somalia.
“The achievement will embolden Somalia’s drive to secure the safety and prosperity of its people,” Souef said in a statement.
He said Somalia’s historic election will also provide vital lessons for the quest for international peace and security in parts of the world experiencing conflict and instability.
The five countries that were elected on Thursday will join existing non-permanent members Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia.
