The United Nations General Assembly has taken a significant step toward enhancing regional representation by electing two African countries—the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Liberia—as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the term starting January 1, 2026. This election, which included a total of five new members, underscores both Africa’s ongoing contributions to global peace and security and the broader push for reform within the UN system.
The Election and Its Significance
In the recent vote, 188 UN Member States participated, filling five available seats on the Security Council, which include regional allocations for Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. The African seats were contested by several candidates, with the DRC securing approximately 183 votes and Liberia around 181, while Bahrain from the Asia-Pacific group received 186 votes. Latvia from Eastern Europe, participating for the first time in its history, was also elected with 178 votes.
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The newly elected countries will join the existing non-permanent members—Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia—whose terms continue through 2026. They will replace Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia, whose terms end in December 2025.
A Historic Return for the DRC and Liberia
For the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this marks its third term on the Security Council, with previous tenures in 1982-1983 and 1990-1991. Liberia, meanwhile, returns after a long hiatus, having last served in 1961. Their election signals Africa’s enduring commitment to contributing to international peace and security and offers these nations a platform to influence critical global decisions during their two-year terms.
Africa’s Ongoing Call for Permanent Representation
While the election of DRC and Liberia is an encouraging development, it also highlights the broader challenge facing Africa: the continent’s continued absence from the Security Council’s permanent membership. Despite being home to 54 countries and over 1.4 billion people, no African nation holds a permanent seat with veto power—the privilege currently reserved for five countries: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Africa has long advocated for reform of the Security Council to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and the continent’s growing influence. Calls for a permanent African seat have been persistent, emphasising the need for a more inclusive and representative UN structure that acknowledges Africa’s population size and economic potential.
The Broader Context of UN Security Council Elections
The recent election reaffirmed Africa’s active participation in global governance. The process involved only one round of voting, with the candidates receiving decisive support: Bahrain (186 votes), DRC (183), Liberia (181), Latvia (178), and Colombia (180). All but Latvia have previously served on the Council, with Colombia serving seven terms and the DRC twice.
Regional groupings dictate the distribution of seats, with Africa and Asia sharing two seats, ensuring regional balance. Latvia’s election marks its first-ever seat, reflecting the evolving nature of the Council and the importance of broadening representation.
Looking Ahead
The election of DRC and Liberia is a positive step for Africa’s representation in global governance. It provides these nations with a platform to voice regional perspectives on peace, security, and development issues at the highest diplomatic level. At the same time, it renews the call for structural reforms to include a permanent African seat—an essential move to make the UN more equitable and reflective of today’s global landscape.
As Africa continues to grow in influence, the push for permanent representation on the Security Council remains a vital part of the continent’s diplomatic agenda. The recent elections serve as both a recognition of Africa’s contributions and a reminder of the work that remains to build a more inclusive and representative United Nations.
