Otunnu woos UN Security Council ahead of second informal poll
Otunnu also held talks with African Group permanent representatives to the UN at a meeting hosted by the chair, Burundi’s ambassador Zephyrin Maniratanga and African Union envoy Mohamed Edrees.
Reports said Otunnu had a valued exchange with the group on the priorities of Africa and the Global South. (Courtesy Photo)
NEW YORK - Uganda’s candidate for the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Dr Olara Otunnu, has wooed members of the organization’s Security Council as the race to become the world’s most prominent diplomat takes tangible shape.
The 75-year-old seasoned diplomat completed engagements with all 15 members of the council on Friday (August 21) at the UN headquarters in New York.
This was part of his outreach to the global organization’s membership in the selection process for the next secretary-general to replace António Guterres, who is due to end his second and final term of office on December 31, 2026.
Reports indicate that Otunnu, who presided over the council in the 1980s, while in New York, thanked the delegates for their time and candid exchange.
He was accompanied to the council by Uganda’s former prime minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, who is heading his campaign.
Otunnu also held talks with African Group permanent representatives to the UN at a meeting hosted by the chair, Burundi’s ambassador Zephyrin Maniratanga and African Union envoy Mohamed Edrees.
Reports said Otunnu had a valued exchange with the group on the priorities of Africa and the Global South.
Reports indicate that Otunnu, who presided over the council in the 1980s, while in New York, thanked the delegates for their time and candid exchange.
Second informal poll
These engagements came as the council prepared to hold another straw poll on Friday as part of the election process.
In the informal vote, the council’s 15 members, including the five permanent ones with the right of veto, pass judgment in secret on the candidates for the secretary-general.
The council is the most powerful UN organ, and if one of its permanent members votes against a resolution, it cannot be passed. However, a resolution can be passed if a permanent member abstains from the vote.
Under the UN Charter, the General Assembly elects the Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Council. The five permanent members are: the United States, Russia, China, France and the UK.
Olara Otunnu meeting Ambassador Mohamed Edrees, Permanent Observer of the UN. Looking on is Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda.
Each member - permanent or otherwise - holds its presidency for one month, on a rotating basis.
The 10 non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms by members of the General Assembly, the body that represents all the countries of the organisation.
Analysts say the aim is to achieve a regional balance, with five Asian or African members, two Latin American members, one east European, and two members from Western Europe or other regions making up the mix of non-permanent members.
The new UN chief is set to take office on January 1, 2027.
Only two Africans have previously occupied this seat: Boutros Boutros-Ghali and Kofi Annan.