Somalia takes over UN Security Council leadership

January 2, 2026

Somalia has officially taken over the United Nations Security Council Presidency, marking a significant milestone in its growing global prominence.

The Horn of Africa country is expected to lead the Security Council’s affairs for the month of January, presiding over meetings and work agenda in the body, which is charged with the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security.

Somalia’s UN Security Council presidency will be headed by its Permanent Representative to the UN, Abukar Osman, succeeding Slovenia’s Samuel Žbogar.

In a statement, the Somali Mission to the UN said, during its presidency, Somalia will facilitate "constructive and inclusive dialogue."

International peace

It said that it is "guided by a deep sense of duty to uphold international peace and security" and that it will prioritize "transparent, efficient, and consensus-driven working methods."

The rotating presidency role, which took effect on 1 January 2026, comes following Somalia's election into the 15-member UN Security Council as a non-permanent member last year.

Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo were other African countries elected for a two-year term, starting 1 January 2026.

https://www.trtafrika.com/english/article/771665bcbe15