Somalia is set to assume the rotating presidency of the United Nations (UN) Security Council in January 2026. This appointment places the Horn of Africa nation at the forefront of global security discussions for a month. The presidency, which rotates among the council’s 15 members, follows Rule 18 of the Security Council’s Provisional Rules of Procedure, stipulating that member nations serve in English alphabetical order.
Currently, Somalia is a non-permanent member of the Security Council, with its two-year term concluding on December 31, 2027. During its presidency, Somalia will have the responsibility to set meeting agendas, preside over sessions, and guide debates surrounding international peace and security. While this role is essential, it is primarily procedural and does not grant additional authority.
Diplomatic Focus on African Security
Diplomats anticipate that Somalia will leverage its presidency to address pressing African security issues. Topics likely to feature prominently include peacekeeping operations, counterterrorism measures, and humanitarian crises exacerbated by conflict and climate challenges in the region. This leadership opportunity arrives as Somalia grapples with ongoing challenges posed by Al-Shabaab, an affiliate of al-Qaeda that maintains considerable control over parts of the country.
The government in Mogadishu heavily relies on international support and foreign peacekeepers to sustain security within the capital. Critics have highlighted the contrast between Somalia’s internal instability and its upcoming role in leading global security discussions. Nevertheless, the rotation system has been in place since 1946, ensuring that every council member has the opportunity to hold the presidency, regardless of their domestic situation.
Currently, Slovenia holds the presidency for December 2025, while the United Kingdom is scheduled to follow Somalia in February 2026. This system underscores the commitment to inclusivity within the UN Security Council, even as member states navigate complex internal and external challenges.
As Somalia prepares for its presidential term, the eyes of the international community will undoubtedly be on how it utilizes this platform to advocate for African interests and address critical global security concerns.
