Faith Nyasuguta
On January 1, 2026, Somalia took its seat at the head of the United Nations Security Council. For many, this might seem like a routine rotation, but for Somalia, it is a moment fifty-four years in the making. The last time the country held this gavel was in 1974. This isn’t just about politics; it is about a nation that was once known only for its internal struggles proving to the world that it is finally ready to lead.
The timing could not have been more intense. Usually, a new presidency gets a few days to settle in, but Somalia was thrown straight into the deep end. Within the first week, a massive international crisis broke out: a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that ended with the capture of Nicolas Maduro. On Monday, Somalia’s mission had to call an emergency meeting to deal with the fallout. In a room filled with the world’s superpowers, it was the Somali representative sitting at the head of the table, keeping order and navigating the fierce arguments between the U.S, Russia and China.
While managing global drama, Somalia is also using this platform to protect its own house. Just days ago, Israel took the controversial step of recognizing Somaliland as an independent country. For the government in Mogadishu, this is a direct hit to their sovereignty. Holding the presidency gives Somalia a powerful microphone. They are making it clear that international law must be respected and that no country should have its borders redrawn from the outside. By leading the Council, they aren’t just complaining about the situation; they are actively shaping the global conversation about it.
This month is a massive win for African diplomacy. It shows that the narrative of the “failed state” is over. Somalia is now focusing on issues that matter to the whole continent, like how climate change fuels war and how UN peacekeeping missions should be run in the future. They are acting as a bridge between big world powers and smaller nations that often feel ignored.
As the Somali flag flies at the center of the UN’S most important meetings this January, the message is simple but strong. It’s a story of a comeback. After decades of being the country the UN talked about, Somalia is now the country doing the talking. It is a reminder that no matter how hard a country’s path has been, there is always a way back to the head of the table.
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