I
had a long discussion today about the current impact of the UN missions on
peace and security. It all started with a silent crisis, Guinea-Bissau. Nobody
talks about that country and the lasting disaster that has been around for so
long. That is a DPA-led mission, meaning, the UN department of Political
Affairs has the responsibility to guide the UN presence on the ground and
report to the Security Council on a regular basis. Then, we looked at Cote
d´Ivoire, where we have had a peacekeeping operation for quite some time. There
is very little progress, I would say in a very diplomatic language, as far as
domestic reconciliation is concerned. Next to it there is a UN peacekeeping
presence in Liberia. The country has been struggling to rebuild itself, after
many years of civil war and wanton destruction. There are now some serious
issues of governance. Are we addressing them?
And
we moved on, to the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Mali, not to
mention the work of the UN missions in Libya and elsewhere. And the same
question came out a number of times? Are we addressing the key issues?
The
point is very simple. In all these situations, conflicts can come back, sooner
or later, if we are not able to deal with the critical causes of instability. And
in some cases, it is even worse. We are simply not able to help the countries to move
out of the swamp.
3 comments:
I don't know enough about many of these countries, but my general sense is that as long as the so-called peace or democratic governance efforts remain the preserve of the elite, under-achievement will continue to be the norm. The UN (BCPR and others) are, in my view, taking the right approach by working closer with national insider mediators, RECs and the AU - rather than taking a moral high ground and know-it-all attitude. By working inclusively, "Together Each Achieves More" (TEAM). Involve the grassroots more. Lack of resources does not equate to lack of local ideas. Unite Nationally.
Dear Clever, Many thanks for your comment. It is rewarding to know you are reading these notes. I agree with your views and the importance of national insider mediators. As I agree with the role of the RECs (Regional Economic Communities) but see as unresolved their links with the AU. There are too much turf wars out there. Warm regards, Victor
Post a Comment