Somalia has been elected as a member of the UN Security Council. It is the first time for Somalia to hold that position since the 1970s. Three decades of brutal civil wars and bloody factional fighting brought the country to its knees. A coalition government in 2009 then brought the return of stability. Somalia's recent turmoil, and its struggles to defeat terrorism, mean it can be very helpful in promoting peace around the world.

The UN Security Council was formed in 1945 to help keep world peace. It has five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the UK and the US – and 10 revolving non-permanent members. To win a seat, a nation must get the support of two thirds of UN representatives. Somalia was elected unopposed. It will serve for two years. Somalia said: "Our tenure will be guided by our…respect of the principles of international law."