Mogadishu, – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has hailed the country’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council as a “historic achievement,” underscoring Somalia’s growing voice in regional and global security debates.
In an interview with Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television, President Mohamud noted that this marks Somalia’s second time on the Council since 1972. He said the seat will allow Mogadishu to actively participate in deliberations while representing the African Union, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
“Somalia stands firmly with the Palestinian cause,” Mohamud said, stressing that the country has a responsibility to defend Islamic world concerns and to give a voice to vulnerable nations facing similar security challenges to those Somalia has endured.
The president emphasized that Somalia seeks to play a constructive and neutral role in international affairs.
“We are a small country with a modest global agenda,” he said. “Somalia does not take sides between blocs, but aims to serve the interests of the people we represent.”
Somalia secured its non-permanent Council seat in June 2025 after winning broad support at the UN General Assembly. The country will serve a two-year term starting January 2026, alongside four other elected members.
The move is widely viewed as a boost to Somalia’s diplomatic profile as it recovers from decades of conflict and deepens engagement with international partners on counterterrorism, maritime security, and humanitarian issues.
Observers say Somalia’s term will test its ability to balance regional alliances while pushing priorities such as peace in the Horn of Africa and solidarity with Palestine. The seat also offers Mogadishu a platform to showcase its progress in state-building and its aspirations for a greater role in global governance.
