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Nigeria on New Year’s Day returned to
the United Nations Security Council, just
two years after she last served as a
member.
She is one of Africa’s two new members,
the other being Chad. They will complete
their current term on December 31, 2015.
The third African member is Rwanda,
which will complete her term at the end
of this year.
It is not clear why Nigeria chose to seek
a Security Council seat so soon after her
last term, and the government has yet to
clarify the priorities it will pursue during
the period.
The Security Council, which has
responsibility for the maintenance of
international peace and security,
comprises 15 members. Its five
permanent members are China, France,
Russian Federation, the United Kingdom
and the United States; of the other 10,
five are elected annually for a term of
two years each. They take monthly turns,
in an alphabetical order in the English
language, to preside over the work of the
council.
Jordan has the presidency of the Council
for January, and Nigeria, led by
Ambassador Joy Ogwu, will preside in
April. It will be her second time of
leading Nigeria to the Council.
In April, President Goodluck Jonathan
could preside over the Council as he
seeks a boost for his 2015 presidential
run.

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