SA gets UN Security Council seat

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed gratitude to the UN General Assembly after SA was elected to serve in the UN Security Council for the term 2019-2020 as a non-permanent member. Ramaphosa also expressed ‘unreserved gratitude and appreciation’ to the SA Development Community, who nominated the country, and the AU for endorsing the election. According to a News24 report, he said SA will use its membership to advance ‘priorities of the AU Agenda 2063’. ‘SA’s tenure will be guided by our commitment to resolve regional, global and international conflicts and promote inclusive growth as part of the effort to ensure a better Africa in a better world. We are committed to addressing the root causes of conflict, including inequality and underdevelopment, and promoting inclusive political dialogue. We reaffirm our commitment to the peaceful resolution of global disputes and the advancement of inclusive development in accordance with the UN Charter and International Law.’ On Friday, the UN General Assembly also elected Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Germany and Indonesia to serve as non-permanent members of the council, starting in January. All but three of the 193 UN member states cast paper ballots. Germany and the Dominican Republic each obtained 184 votes. SA got 183 votes, Belgium 181 and 144 went to Indonesia.

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