By HAN News Desk
UNITED NATIONS — Somalia on Tuesday assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council, a milestone officials described as a moment of pride for Somalis at home and abroad, including those in Somaliland.
Somali officials said taking the council’s monthly presidency reflects the country’s growing diplomatic standing after decades of conflict and international isolation. Somalia is serving a two-year term as a nonpermanent member of the 15-member council.
“The presidency of the Security Council is a responsibility and an honor that belongs to all Somali people,” a senior Somali diplomat said, adding that the role symbolizes renewed international confidence in Somalia’s state institutions.
As council president, Somalia will set the agenda, chair meetings and guide discussions on global peace and security issues during its one-month term. Diplomats said Somalia is expected to highlight issues related to peacebuilding, post-conflict recovery and the situation in the Horn of Africa.
The development was welcomed by many Somalis as a national achievement, with officials stressing that it represents all citizens, including those in Somaliland, the self-governing region that declared independence in 1991 but is not internationally recognized.
Somalia joined the United Nations in 1960 but saw its international role sharply diminish after the collapse of the central government in 1991. In recent years, the country has worked to rebuild state institutions, improve security and re-engage diplomatically with regional and global partners.
Somalia’s current term on the Security Council runs through the end of next year. Diplomats say Mogadishu has sought to use its seat to advocate for respect for sovereignty, support for fragile states and sustained international engagement in conflict-affected regions.
The U.N. Security Council presidency rotates monthly among its members in alphabetical order.
