South Africa takes up seat on UN Security Council

South Africa started off the New Year by officially assuming its seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2019-2020.

South Africa received 183 votes from member states of the UN General Assembly.

South Africa’s tenure in the Security Council will be dedicated to the legacy of former president Nelson Mandela, whose values and commitment to peace were commemorated last year during the centenary of his birth, according to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

South Africa’s term will also be an opportunity for the country to work towards the African Union’s goal of “Silencing the Guns” on the continent by 2020.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Lindiwe Sisulu said on Tuesday: “The world is facing huge challenges, including rising unilateralism and widening geo-political divisions. These challenges threaten our collective resolve to address global challenges of peace, security and development.

She said South Africa will encourage closer cooperation between the UN Security Council and other regional and sub-regional organisations, particularly the African Union.

South Africa was elected to serve on the Council by the United Nations General Assembly on June 8, 2018.

South Africa’s Security Council relish comes as the UN South African diplomat from Somalia Nicholas Haysom was expelled from Somalia by the federal government accusing him of violation of diplomatic rules.

UN Security Council is expected to discuss the situation in Somalia, later today, a day after Somali government expelled the top UN envoy.

Goobjoog News