Rabat, October 5 — Former UN official Hervé Verhoosel said Morocco’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-2029 term could help sustain dialogue in a divided world, drawing on his experience with Moroccan peacekeepers in the Central African Republic. Verhoosel, who served nearly two decades in the UN system, told Morocco World News during a visit to Rabat that no single non-permanent member can transform the Security Council but can contribute to maintaining communication when positions polarize.
He emphasized that Morocco’s identity as an African, Arab, and Muslim country with strong ties across continents gives it a unique position in global diplomacy. He noted Morocco’s geographical, economic, and political proximity to Europe, along with its deep connections across Africa and beyond, as factors that enable it to bridge divides.
Verhoosel framed these views as personal, shaped by his work in Geneva, New York, and field missions, including his role as Director of Communications for MINUSCA. His comments came as the 81st UN General Assembly concluded its high-level debate. On September 22, 2026, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita announced the country’s candidacy, citing Morocco’s diplomatic experience, respect for international law, and King Mohammed VI’s vision of the nation as a reliable actor for stability and sustainable development.
The election for the 2028-2029 term will be held in June 2027. Verhoosel stressed that rebuilding multilateralism requires listening beyond traditional powers and taking reform proposals from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Arab world seriously.
He argued that a world with less multilateralism would not function better, based on available evidence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his final address to the Assembly on September 23, 2026, described a 21st-century Security Council without permanent African representation as ‘unjust and indefensible’ and urged reform to reflect today’s world. His remarks were echoed by African leaders including Presidents William Ruto of Kenya, Duma Boko of Botswana, and Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia.
Verhoosel’s perspective highlights how individual member states, even without veto power, can influence Council dynamics through consistent diplomacy and trusted relationships. His endorsement of Morocco’s bid underscores the value of diverse representation in maintaining dialogue during periods of geopolitical tension. Looking ahead, the focus will shift to the campaign period leading up to the June 2027 election, where Morocco will compete for support among UN member states.
Observers will watch how candidates present their visions for a more inclusive and effective Security Council in an era of rising polarization.
