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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