Tensions in the Korean Peninsula were abundantly highlighted at the 2017 UNGA week, with Zimbabwe’s president Robert Mugabe’s remarks perhaps most accurately capturing the sentiment of many across the world.
The 93-year-old’s tough criticism of U.S. president Donald Trump and the sabre-rattling preceding UNGA instantly drew global attention; with his call for “dialogue,peace, and co-operation” echoing the principle of the UN Charter.
Tiamiyu Arobani, North America Bureau chief for the News Agency of Nigeria notes the power of Africa’s voice in light of such contentious geopolitical matters.
“On resolutions taking place at the general assembly, whether for or against,Africa voting as a block tells a lot.”
“Africa has also had its toll of crises…and does not want a world where there is going to be violence again, we have had enough of violence, and that is why everyone is calling for peace. Diplomacy should be the watch-word now in resolving the crisis in North Korea”
Concerned about increased military expenditure in the world, Dr. Ali points out that ” nobody is going to manufacture arms and be content to keep them in the stores, they’re gonna use them!”
On the effectiveness of UNGA for Africa, Sudarkasa observes the uncertain times Africa went into this years’ general assembly what with the success of the Paris Climate Accord cast to doubt and BREXIT. Tiamiyu re-asserts that “a UN that promotes democracy also needs to be democratic” and representative of changed global dynamics and demography.
