Resolutions Passed During Algeria’s Presidency of the UN Security Council in January 2025
Algeria held the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council in January 2025, a month marked by high-level discussions on the Palestinian cause, counter-terrorism efforts in Africa, and enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States. As a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2024–2025 term, Algeria guided the body through several significant matters resulting in 3 new resolutions and 1 official statements. Here’s a summary of the major decisions made during Algeria’s presidency:
Resolution 2768 (2025) — Maintenance of International Peace and Security
Adopted on January 15, 2025, Resolution 2768 continued the Council’s efforts to address the ongoing situation in the Red Sea, particularly the threat posed by the Houthi rebels. The resolution underscored the importance of keeping global shipping lanes secure and emphasized the need for accountability in attacks on commercial vessels. The Security Council urged the Houthi group to cease their hostilities against maritime traffic, calling for the swift restoration of stability in the region.
The resolution also encouraged diplomatic measures to resolve the ongoing conflict in Yemen, alongside sanctions designed to deter further aggression.
Resolution 2769 (2025) — The Situation in Libya
On January 16, 2025, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2769, which focused on the situation in Libya and reaffirmed the importance of adhering to international sanctions. This resolution reinforced previous sanctions imposed on the Libyan government and factions engaged in armed conflict. The Council called for the full implementation of an arms embargo, travel bans, and asset freezes aimed at preventing the flow of weapons to militant groups and other entities destabilizing the country.
With Libya’s political landscape remaining fractured, the resolution also emphasized the need for continued international cooperation to ensure a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Resolution 2770 (2025) — International Court of Justice Election
Another key decision made in January was the adoption of Resolution 2770 on January 24, 2025, which set the date for an election to fill a vacancy at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The vacancy arose following the resignation of Judge Nawaf Salam, and the Security Council resolved to hold an election for his successor on May 27, 2025. The resolution outlined the procedural steps for the election and underscored the importance of maintaining the ICJ’s capacity to adjudicate legal matters between states.
This decision reflected Algeria’s continued commitment to supporting international legal frameworks during its presidency.
Press Statement on the Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Security Council also issued a press statement on January 26, 2025, expressing grave concern over the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Council condemned the ongoing violence perpetrated by the M23 rebel group in the eastern part of the country, particularly their offensive in Goma. The statement called for the immediate withdrawal of M23 forces from the area and for all external actors to cease their involvement in the region’s instability.
The Council stressed that the unauthorized presence of foreign military forces in the DRC only exacerbated the conflict, and reiterated its support for the efforts of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) to stabilize the situation.
Failure to Influence a Meaningful shift on the Gaza War
Algeria, as a non-permanent member, lacked the leverage to push for substantial change. It’s membership in the Arab League and being openly pro-Palestine did not help either. Despite its diplomatic efforts particularly through the Middle East Open Debate, it was unable to forge the consensus needed for a more proactive stance on the Gaza conflict. One of the key challenges was the divided nature of the Security Council itself, with the permanent members — particularly the United States — maintaining a steadfast position on issues such as the Gaza transfer plan.
The Security Council’s broader inaction on the Gaza issue reflects systemic limitations of the UN in resolving deeply entrenched regional conflicts, where competing geopolitical interests often hinder decisive action. While Algeria succeeded in raising awareness and facilitating debate, the reality of the situation in Gaza remained largely unchanged
