The UN Security Council has welcomed five new non-permanent members—Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia, and Liberia—for the 2026–2027 term, reshaping the global body’s diplomatic mix.
For the DRC, the seat marks a return after 35 years and comes with renewed emphasis on peacekeeping reform, drawing on its long experience hosting the MONUSCO mission. Liberia, meanwhile, joins the Council for the first time since 1961, pledging bridge-building and consensus-driven diplomacy.
Alongside Somalia, both African nations will represent the continent during a pivotal period. For Kinshasa, the role also raises hopes of advancing international efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern Congo involving Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.