In a valedictory address to the United Nations Security Council, Algeria’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Amar Benjamaa, framed his nation’s two-year term as a mission accomplished, declaring, “Algeria will leave this Council feeling that it has done what it had to do, and has fulfilled its duty.” This statement, delivered during a session on threats to international peace and security, serves as a capstone to Algeria’s tenure and offers a window into its diplomatic priorities and self-perceived role on the global stage.
Ambassador Benjamaa’s speech strategically highlighted two core, interconnected pillars of Algerian foreign policy: the Palestinian cause and the inviolability of African sovereignty and territorial integrity. His remarks were not made in isolation but were part of a broader diplomatic strategy often exercised through the “A3+” group—the coordination mechanism for the three African elected members of the Security Council, sometimes joined by other sympathetic nations. This platform allowed Algeria to amplify African perspectives within a body historically dominated by permanent members.
On Palestine: Benjamaa aligned Algeria firmly with the Palestinian narrative, stating he joined others who had spoken about “the nature and content of the situation.” For Algeria, a leader in the decolonization movement and a staunch supporter of self-determination, the Palestinian issue is a central, non-negotiable tenet of its diplomacy. Its tenure saw consistent advocacy for Palestinian statehood and critiques of Israeli actions, positioning itself as a vocal, uncompromising voice on the Council regarding this protracted conflict.
On African Unity: Perhaps more revealing was his pointed comment on “Somaliland,” which he explicitly described as “an integral part of Somalia.” This was a direct, principled rejection of secessionist claims and a powerful reaffirmation of the African Union’s foundational principle of uti possidetis—the inviolability of colonial-era borders upon independence. By taking this stand in the Security Council, Algeria was sending a clear message against fragmentation and external interference, defending a continental consensus that views redrawing borders as a recipe for endless conflict.
The ambassador’s gratitude extended beyond the African bloc. He notably thanked representatives from non-African countries, “particularly… our colleague from Guyana,” for their commitment to African issues. This acknowledgment is significant; it highlights Algeria’s success in building cross-regional coalitions. Guyana, a fellow member of the Non-Aligned Movement and the G77 with its own history of colonialism, represents the kind of Global South partnership Algeria cultivates to counterbalance traditional power dynamics in the Council.
Benjamaa’s concluding sentiment of fulfilled duty suggests Algeria views its Security Council role not as a passive seat-holder, but as a proactive duty-bound mandate. Its performance was likely measured by its ability to:
1. Anchor African Positions: Serve as a reliable advocate for the AU’s Agenda 2063 and common African positions on peace and security.
2. Champion Decolonization: Keep issues like Palestine and Western Sahara (though not mentioned in this speech) on the international agenda.
3. Bridge the Global South: Foster solidarity among developing nations within the UN’s most powerful body.
Ultimately, this brief speech encapsulates Algeria’s diplomatic identity: a proud, post-colonial state that sees its international responsibility as defending sovereignty, supporting liberation causes, and ensuring that multilateral forums hear the voices of the Global South. As it rotates off the Council, it leaves asserting that it upheld this compact, a statement aimed as much at its domestic audience and African peers as at the international community.