The African Union has warmly welcomed the election of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, calling it a major step forward for Africa’s role in world affairs. The two countries will serve on the powerful council for the 2026-2027 term alongside Somalia, forming what’s known as the “A3” – Africa’s voice at the top table of global security decisions.

In a weekend statement, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praised both nations for their successful bids, noting their election comes at a crucial time when Africa’s perspective on world security matters has never been more important. “This shows the international community trusts these countries to help find solutions to complex peace and security challenges,” Youssouf said.

The AU chief particularly highlighted how both countries earned their places through democratic processes, with Liberia recently completing a peaceful transfer of power and DR Congo managing contentious elections. Their selection means Africa will have three voices in the room when the Security Council debates crises from Ukraine to Gaza to Sudan in the coming years.

As part of their new role, the three African members will work closely together to make sure the continent’s priorities are heard loud and clear. The AU emphasized they’ll push for solutions that match Africa’s own peace and development goals, including the Union’s Agenda 2063 – its long-term plan for transforming the continent.

The Security Council, made up of five permanent members with veto power and ten rotating non-permanent members, remains the world’s most influential body on matters of war and peace. Africa’s increased representation comes as the continent grapples with multiple crises – from military coups to Islamist insurgencies – that often get overlooked in global discussions.

Analysts say having DR Congo at the table will be especially significant. The mineral-rich nation has been at the center of regional conflicts for decades and currently hosts one of the UN’s largest peacekeeping missions. Its firsthand experience with both conflict and peacebuilding could bring valuable perspective to council debates.

Liberia’s selection also carries symbolic weight. The West African nation has transformed from a country torn by civil war to a relatively stable democracy that now contributes troops to UN peacekeeping missions. Its journey from chaos to contributor gives it unique moral authority in security discussions.

The AU statement thanked outgoing African members who served on the council, acknowledging their work in pushing for Africa’s interests over the past two years. Youssouf promised the Union would give full support to the new team, helping them prepare for the complex diplomacy ahead.

Experts note the incoming African members will face immediate tests. The council remains divided over major crises, with Western nations often at odds with Russia and China. Africa’s representatives will need to navigate these tensions while making sure conflicts on their own continent get proper attention.

There’s also hope the new members can help reform how the UN handles African security issues. Many African leaders have complained about outsiders dictating solutions to African problems. With three seats at the table, the continent may finally get to lead these conversations.

As DR Congo and Liberia prepare to take their seats next year, the message from Addis Ababa is clear – Africa is ready to play a bigger role in shaping global security decisions rather than just reacting to them. Their performance could determine whether the world starts listening to African solutions for African problems.

The elections have sparked optimism across the continent that after years of being talked about in New York, Africa may finally get to do more of the talking itself when it matters most. How effectively these three nations work together to turn that hope into reality remains the next big challenge.