“70% of the issues in the United Nations are African issues and an African adage says ‘you don’t shave a man’s hair in his absence.’ Africa’s hair is being shaved in its absence at the UN”.
These were the comments of Ojo Maduekwe, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister while feeding questions from Isha Sesay of CNN’s Inside Africa.
To me, these were well-chosen and well-crafted words and they succinctly capture Africa’s unfair representation at the different arms of the UN.
In specific terms, the comments were aimed first at applauding Nigeria’s accession as one of two newly-elected Africa’s non-permanent representatives at the UN Security Council and also at canvassing for a permanent seat for Africa at this council – UN’s highest body saddled with the responsibility of taking strategic decisions that would guarantee world peace.
Nigeria, a fifth-timer and Gabon, a fourth-timer will be Africa’s voices in the coming months on this council and working with the P5s (United States, Britain, China, France and Russia) and other eight non-permanent members to manage world peace, Nigeria will obviously be faced with an arduous task.
Mr. Maduekwe stressed briefly what Nigeria’s approach will be when this highly-resourceful nation, with unmatched experience and involvement in peace-keeping activities on the African continent assumes office in a few month times.
Preventive diplomacy, managing flashpoints that triggers conflicts and handling unfairness and injustice across the world will be Nigeria’s strong concern on this council.
What can I say? Congratulations Nigeria, congratulations Africa.
Let’s hope that for once, Africa’s hair will be shaved in its presence and with its permission at the UN.
These were the comments of Ojo Maduekwe, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister while feeding questions from Isha Sesay of CNN’s Inside Africa.
To me, these were well-chosen and well-crafted words and they succinctly capture Africa’s unfair representation at the different arms of the UN.
In specific terms, the comments were aimed first at applauding Nigeria’s accession as one of two newly-elected Africa’s non-permanent representatives at the UN Security Council and also at canvassing for a permanent seat for Africa at this council – UN’s highest body saddled with the responsibility of taking strategic decisions that would guarantee world peace.
Nigeria, a fifth-timer and Gabon, a fourth-timer will be Africa’s voices in the coming months on this council and working with the P5s (United States, Britain, China, France and Russia) and other eight non-permanent members to manage world peace, Nigeria will obviously be faced with an arduous task.
Mr. Maduekwe stressed briefly what Nigeria’s approach will be when this highly-resourceful nation, with unmatched experience and involvement in peace-keeping activities on the African continent assumes office in a few month times.
Preventive diplomacy, managing flashpoints that triggers conflicts and handling unfairness and injustice across the world will be Nigeria’s strong concern on this council.
What can I say? Congratulations Nigeria, congratulations Africa.
Let’s hope that for once, Africa’s hair will be shaved in its presence and with its permission at the UN.
