Assessing South Africa's final presidency and month in the UN Security Council gives interesting views on how it aims to close its UNSC gig. First, doesn't seem likely the country will be pursuing a major outcome document (thematic), but focusing on high level discussions 1/n

This week brings 2 out of the three thematic debates SA will be pursuing: SSR and UN-AU relations. Both present some obvious choices of SA. SSR historically being, prior to the UNSC, a priority for SA in the UN. UN-AU being SA's most important priority during its term 2/n

But it will be a tricky month for SA. It can be difficult to be too ambitious in a country's last month in the Council. It becomes at times easy for countries (e.g. P5) to brush off more controversial discussions, and countries have less leverage in big decisions #saintheworld

Issues like Iran and the Middle East will most likely dominate the debate in the Council this month. The transition of the US administration could lead to some rushed decisions by the US before the transition in that area. Certainly an area to watch. 4/n

But SA will have some of its biggest priorities also discussed in December. MONUSCO is certainly the one that we can expect most South Africa's interests at play, considering the importance it plays for the country, its political engagements and deployment of peacekeepers 5/n

Issues like UNITAMS, and the transition of UNAMID to a Special Political Mission, as well as South Sudan organs most likely will play an important role fo South Africa this month as well, considering these have been key files for SA in 2019-2020 for the country

Will issues like Ethiopia or Mozambique be discussed? I'm a bit skeptical about that. I feel that some of the P5 (you can imagine who they are here) would be very cautious in bringing these issues to discussion. And I'm not sure whether SA has the appetite or pol capital for that

This month for me could be more symbolic for South Africa in defining its future priorities on Peace and Security, to lay the ground for the passing the baton to Kenya (hopefully we will see some A3 +1 + Kenya statements) and showing its interest go beyond just the 2 years term

The 2 years in the Council is short, and would be unfair to expect SA to change multilateralism. Our research at the @issafrica has shown that despite some problems, SA was an active member of the Council, and particularly visible in bringing African voices to a new level

But in order to be lasting, its legacy needs to focus on how the country will continue pursuing its priorities after December. For me, the most obvious space would be at the AU (and hopefully joining the PSC soon), which would be able to push for more collaboration.

Engagements at the General Assembly and the Peacebuilding Community in particular would also be key for South Africa. But in order to be successful, it would need to somehow put its house and peacebuilding priorities in order, including its own internal mechanisms

I am cautious, but also hopeful, for what SA can play post 2020. We've all reduced the expectations that SA is a different country to what it was in the 2000s, when it was punching above its weight. But irrespective, SA can still make a difference by elevating African voices

Ah, and of course, @CyrilRamaphosa is expected to deliver South Africa's speech on Friday on UN-AU relations, both as head of SA government and chair of the @_AfricanUnion . VTCs have many problems, but they also allow a much higher level participation from capitals!