Mozambique Concludes Historic Tenure on UN Security Council

Today marks the end of Mozambique's pioneering stint as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, concluding a two-year term that began on January 1, 2023, after being elected on June 9, 2022, alongside Ecuador, Japan, Malta, and Switzerland.

Verónica Macamo, Mozambique's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, reflected on the term with pride, stating that the Mozambican team in New York was fully committed to making the mission a success. She praised the unity and dedication of various teams working under the Mozambican mission, acknowledging the complexity of their task in a world where peace and security issues are ever-evolving and fraught with sensitivities.

Macamo highlighted that despite the challenges, the mission was deemed successful, with commendation from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who recognized Mozambique's novel approaches and contributions to conflict resolution. Mozambique, she explained, has been an advocate for dialogue over mere condemnation, promoting a multilateral approach to tackle global peace and security issues.

“It is not an easy mission, as issues of peace and security around the world are discussed daily,” Macamo noted, emphasizing the complexity of the mandate. She stressed the importance of collective efforts in finding solutions to international problems, especially those related to peace and security.

This term was particularly significant as it was Mozambique's inaugural appearance on the Security Council, an organ with the unique authority to make binding decisions for all 193 UN member states, including the power to authorize military actions. The Council consists of 15 members, including five with veto power (the US, France, UK, Russia, and China), and ten elected members like Mozambique, each serving for two years.

Mozambique's participation in the Security Council has set a precedent for future engagements, showcasing its commitment to peace through dialogue and multilateral cooperation on the global stage.