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Somalia will take a seat at the United Nations Security Council for the first time in 53 years after it was elected alongside four other nations to the top organ on Thursday. The Horn of Africa nation last served in the Council in 1972.

Besides Somalia, the UN General Assembly also elected Denmark, Greece, Pakistan and Panama to the Council. The five will serve as non-permanent members for two years starting January 1, 2025.

The five will replace Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland, whose terms end on December 31, 2024.

The new members will join existing non-permanent members Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia, whose terms started on January 1, 2024.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warmly welcomed his country’s election as a member of the Security Council, noting that the move points to the progress the nation has achieved in development and governance.

“The diplomatic success we achieved today reflects how the world is witnessing the efforts and development of Somalia, especially the recovery and reconstruction of our country. It is an opportunity that we can take advantage of to contribute to the safety and security of the world,” he said.

Other leaders from the Horn of Africa nation also conveyed congratulatory messages.

Former president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo said the election was a culmination of efforts that began in 2018.

Congratulations to the people of Somalia on the election of our great nation to the UN Security Council as a Non Permenant member state for 2024-25. This was a hard fought battle which we initiated in 2018 and has come to be realised today. Somalia is resilient and strong.

— Mohamed Farmaajo (@M_Farmaajo) June 6, 2024

On his part, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said Somalia’s election into the Council “highlights our government’s commitment to global security and peace.”

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our people for the successful Somalia bid to join the @UN Security Council for 2025 — 2026 term!

This milestone highlights our government’s commitment to global security and peace.

Together, we’ll make a difference on the world stage. pic.twitter.com/gioLpz0Ssq

— Hamza Abdi Barre (@HamzaAbdiBarre) June 6, 2024

The United Nations in Somalia also congratulations, noting Somalia is uniquely placed to contribute to the Council’s future deliberations.

“Somalia has come a long way over the past three decades on its path to peace, prosperity, and security.  Election to a seat on the Security Council is recognition of that commendable progress,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan.

“Somalia’s experiences place it in a unique position to contribute to Council deliberations on international peace and security,” he added.