Somalia goes for Arab League as race for UN Security Council candidacy inspires campaigns

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Arab League of Nations will play a pivotal role for Somalia as it seeks a seat in the United Nations Security Council, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud intensifying campaigns ahead of the crucial vote.

Last week, the African Union cleared Somalia for the bid, paving the way for a series of campaigns by the Horn of Africa nation, which has been battling against insecurity. Somalia has been unstable for the last 30 years after the ouster of Siad Barre.

In Ethiopia, Hassan Sheikh held a meeting with Arab League ambassadors where he informed them about the country's pursuit of the UN search. It is in the Security Council that critical decisions are undertaken for the world's stability.

Hassan Sheikh met the ambassadors ahead of the AU 37th Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa. The Somali leader impressed upon the Arab League diplomats to support his country’s bid for the 2025–2026 session, which will be critical for the country.

This June, the voting of non-permanent seats will take place as Somalia seeks to retake a seat it once held in 1971/72. Before the civil war, Somalia was calling shots in the Horn of Africa and Africa given its strong Pan-Africanism ideals at that time.

Currently, the UNSC comprises five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and 10 non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms. This is where critical security decisions are made.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has kick-started shuttle diplomacy as he seeks to have the seat, which was last held by Kenya from the East African region. Somalia has made huge strides in the fight against Al-Shabaab, showing resilience and redemption in the process.

GAROWE ONLINE