The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Liberia were elected on June 3, 2025, as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term during a vote at the UN General Assembly in New York. This election marks a significant moment for the African continent, which sees two of its representatives join one of the most influential bodies in global governance.
A Clear Vote and historic return
The election, held in a single round, saw the DRC and Liberia secure the required majority to join the Council alongside Bahrain, Colombia, and Latvia. For Liberia, this represents a historic return after 64 years of absence, having last served in 1961. Liberian President Joseph Boakai hailed the event as “a moment of pride for the country and the continent,” pledging strong commitment to peace, African solidarity, and constructive diplomacy.
A Crucial Mandate for the DRC
For the DRC, this election is the result of an active diplomatic campaign supported by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), which views this mandate as an opportunity to advance the African agenda within UN bodies.
President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi highlighted his country’s experience on issues of peace, post-conflict resilience, ecological transition, and multilateral governance, affirming his intention to advocate for Security Council reform to enhance African representation.
The A3 Group and Africa’s Voice
The two new members will join Somalia to form the A3 group, responsible for defending the continent’s positions in debates on international peace and security. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praised the election of the DRC and Liberia, seeing it as recognition of their capacity to contribute significantly to global peacekeeping and to advance African priorities.
A Renewed Security Council Composition
Starting January 1, 2026, the DRC, Liberia, Bahrain, Colombia, and Latvia will replace Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia among the non-permanent members of the Security Council. They will join the five permanent members (China, United States, France, United Kingdom, Russia) and the five other non-permanent members already elected for 2026: Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia.
A Representation Challenge for Africa
This dual election comes at a time when Africa seeks to strengthen its voice and influence within global decision-making bodies, while facing multiple security challenges. The new African members of the Security Council will have the responsibility to represent the continent’s aspirations, promote multilateralism, and defend African interests in international discussions.
The election of the DRC and Liberia to the United Nations Security Council for 2026–2027 symbolizes a turning point for African diplomacy and offers the continent a strengthened platform to make its voice heard on major issues of international peace and security.
