How can Africa use its new UN Security Council seats to influence global peace?
It’s not every day that the hopes of millions ride on a vote in New York, but for people in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia, that’s exactly what happened this week.
When the United Nations General Assembly announced that both countries had secured seats on the Security Council for 2026–2027, the news sparked pride from Kinshasa to Monrovia—and far beyond.
Why does this matter?
For too long, Africa’s stories and struggles have been debated in global halls of power without enough African voices present. The Security Council, with its weighty decisions on peace and conflict, rarely reflects the lived realities of those most affected by its choices.
Now, with DRC and Liberia joining as non-permanent members, there’s a sense that the continent’s concerns—security, climate, and the future of its youth—will be heard a little more clearly.
For Congolese families who have endured decades of conflict, this seat feels personal. Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, DRC’s Foreign Minister, put it simply:
“We carry the weight of our people’s history—of hardship, survival, and hope. Our goal is to serve humanity by sharing what we have learned.”
Her words echo the resilience of communities who have rebuilt after every setback, holding onto the dream that peace is possible.
Liberia’s story is just as compelling. Once torn apart by civil war, the country has become a symbol of recovery and renewal. President Joseph Boakai spoke with emotion after the vote:
“This moment honors the courage of our people—those who rebuilt their lives from the ashes of conflict. Our seat on the Council is a tribute to their resilience and a promise to amplify their voices in global decisions.”
For many Liberians, this is a chance to show the world how far they’ve come—and how much they have to offer.
But let’s not pretend the journey ends here. The Security Council is a tough arena, dominated by powerful countries with their interests. Yet, DRC and Liberia bring something unique: firsthand experience.
They know what it means to live through crisis, to host peacekeepers, to rebuild from scratch. Their presence could shift conversations from abstract policy to real-world impact—like how climate change is already reshaping rural life, or why investing in young people matters for peace.
Across Africa, there’s cautious optimism. Experts say this is more than a diplomatic win; it’s a step toward a more inclusive world order. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia’s Foreign Minister, summed it up:
“Liberia will be at the table to make decisions on conflicts and protracted crises... This will provide Liberia access that it has never had in this way before.”
As DRC and Liberia prepare to take their seats in January 2026, many on the continent are watching closely. Will their voices resonate in the Council’s chambers?
Will the issues that matter most to Africans get the attention they deserve? Only time will tell. But for now, there’s a sense of pride—and a hope that, finally, Africa’s stories will help shape the world’s future, not just its headlines.
#BREAKING
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) June 3, 2025
UN General Assembly ELECTS the following countries as Security Council non-permanent members for two-year terms starting 1 Jan 2026:
🇧🇭 Bahrain
🇨🇴 Colombia
🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo
🇱🇻 Latvia
🇱🇷 Liberia
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Autry Suku
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