Zimbabwe secures support of 80 countries in UNSC bid

Zimbabwe has secured the backing of at least 80 countries outside Africa in its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–28 term, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira has said.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Murwira said the country will intensify its diplomatic outreach between February and April as it seeks to consolidate and expand support among United Nations General Assembly members ahead of the elections scheduled for June 2026.

"From February until April, we are going to visit several countries to invite members of the General Assembly to visit Zimbabwe," Murwira said.

"We are looking for a successful act because Zimbabwe is a country that represents peace and tranquillity, among other things."

If elected, Zimbabwe would join the 10 rotating non-permanent members of the UNSC, who serve two-year terms alongside the council's five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Non-permanent members are elected by the UN General Assembly and must secure a two-thirds majority vote.

Murwira said Zimbabwe's long-standing foreign policy, anchored on peaceful coexistence and multilateralism, had resonated with many countries.

"The African Union and SADC support our bid and we have received formal support from 80 countries across the globe," he said.

"Zimbabwe is well-positioned to take up this seat as it is a champion of peace in the region and beyond."

He reiterated the country's commitment to peace and international co-operation.

"Zimbabwe's commitment to peace is unshakeable. We recognise that peace is the cornerstone of sustainable socio-economic development and stand ready to contribute our experience and leadership to the mission of the Security Council," Murwira said.

"As we embark on this important journey to join the UN Security Council, I appeal to all UN member states to support Zimbabwe's candidature. A vote for Zimbabwe is a vote for peace, multilateral co-operation and a more inclusive global order."

Zimbabwe's campaign is being run under the theme Advancing 21st Century Solutions for Global Peace and Security Through Multilateralism, which Murwira said reflects the country's desire to strengthen its global footprint while contributing meaningfully to international peace and security.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa formally launched Zimbabwe's UNSC bid last year in Harare, pledging that the country would use the platform to advance global peace, counter-terrorism efforts and the interests of Africa.