Senegal backs Zimbabwe UNSC seat bid

Senegal has pledged full support for Zimbabwe's bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term, in a strong show of solidarity that further cements the diplomatic relations between the two African nations.

This was revealed yesterday by Senegal's Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Ms Yassine Fall, during a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare. She was accompanied by Mr Amadou Hott, Senegal's candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Ms Fall delivered warm greetings from Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and conveyed Senegal's firm backing of Zimbabwe's bid, while also applauding President Mnangagwa's leadership both regionally and continentally.

"Senegal has been a very big supporter of Zimbabwe all along and has today very much supported Zimbabwe, even in its effort now to be in the Security Council at the United Nations," said Ms Fall. "We came here to greet the President, to bring him messages of solidarity and greeting from his brother, His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye."

Zimbabwe is seeking election to one of the 10 rotating non-permanent seats on the UNSC. The council, which also comprises five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States - plays a central role in determining the United Nations' response to global conflicts. Securing a seat requires the support of at least two-thirds of the UN General Assembly.

Zimbabwe's candidacy has already received backing from several key allies, including SADC member states, Russia, India, and Cuba.

Ms Fall also conveyed President Faye's appreciation for President Mnangagwa's stewardship as the current SADC Chairperson and expressed Senegal's interest in elevating its diplomatic and economic relations with Zimbabwe.

"President Faye asked me to express his gratitude for President Mnangagwa's leadership in Africa and to affirm the intention of both leaders to strengthen the relationship between Senegal and Zimbabwe," she added.

Beyond diplomatic support, the closed-door meeting between the two parties focused on broader continental development goals, particularly Africa's Agenda 2063. The initiative, which serves as the African Union's strategic framework, aims to foster inclusive growth, sustainable development, and the emergence of Africa as a global powerhouse.

"As you know, we are also in the process of pushing Africa's development under Agenda 2063, and we need strong institutions in Africa. This is also why we came here to discuss with the President," Ms Fall said.

Zimbabwe's campaign for the UNSC seat is a key component of its growing push for global recognition and influence, bolstered by consistent support from African allies and other strategic partners.