Zimbabwe has intensified its diplomatic campaign for election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, leading a high-level delegation to the Pacific Islands, beginning with a visit to the Kingdom of Tonga where he arrived yesterday.
In a statement, yesterday before taking off, Professor Murwira said he is undertaking the visit in his capacity as Special Envoy of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa as Zimbabwe steps up international engagements ahead of the UNSC elections scheduled for June 3, 2026.
“Zimbabwe has stepped up its campaign for election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
The diplomatic outreach reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with partners across the globe,” he said.
He said the visit to Tonga and other Pacific states forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader diplomatic engagements aimed at mobilising international backing ahead of the decisive vote.
“The primary objective of the mission is to secure concrete expressions of support for Zimbabwe’s UNSC candidature through direct, high-level engagements,” Professor Murwira said.
The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that Zimbabwe deliberately chose to begin its campaign in the Pacific region in recognition of the importance of Small Island Developing States within multilateral institutions.
“Zimbabwe’s campaign begins in the Pacific region, where the country is seeking to consolidate support among Small Island Developing States, an influential constituency within the United Nations system,” he said.
Countries earmarked for the diplomatic outreach include the Solomon Islands, the current Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, the Kingdom of Tonga, the outgoing Chair of the Forum, and the Republic of Fiji.
Professor Murwira emphasised that the mission aligns with Zimbabwe’s foreign policy doctrine anchored on peaceful engagement with all nations.
“The Pacific mission aligns with Zimbabwe’s foreign policy doctrine that ‘Zimbabwe is a Friend to All and Enemy to None,’ as well as the economic diplomacy thrust encapsulated in the mantra, ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business,” he noted.
He added that by engaging directly with Pacific nations, Zimbabwe seeks to strengthen bilateral relations, promote South-South cooperation and broaden partnerships beyond traditional diplomatic corridors.
“As the countdown to the June 2026 elections gathers momentum, Zimbabwe’s diplomatic offensive signals its determination to secure broad-based global support for its bid to serve on the UN Security Council,” Professor Murwira emphasized.
Zimbabwe is seeking election to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for the 2027–2028 term. If successful, the country would join the 10 rotating members of the council responsible for addressing global peace and security issues. The elections are scheduled for June 3, 2026, during the United Nations General Assembly.
