‘African leaders will not heed Mugabe call’

Zimbabwean opposition parties have reportedly described as “absurd” President Robert Mugabe’s anti-UN and West speech at the just-ended African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

President Edgar Lungu has charged that the reform of the United Nations (UN) Security Council has now become more than ever, a must, an obligation and a duty.

He added: “Of course the United Nations must be reformed bust this can not be achieved by pulling out of that important world body”. In a paper titled “Expert takes on Expanding the UN Security Council”, Graham Allison (Director, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School) said, “If you are trying to make the Security Council reflective of the world we live in today, it should include at least India, but also a state from Africa (Nigeria or South Africa), and one from South America, most likely Brazil”. The members represent the five great powers from the victors of World War II.Each of the permanent members has the power to veto, enabling them to prevent the adoption of any “substantive” draft Council resolution, regardless of the level of global support for the draft.

He said that Africa remains better placed to offer viable and workable solutions to African problems that are presented before the UN Security Council, as it is the Africans themselves that best understands the dynamics of the challenges of the continent.

Zimbabwe’s opposition however condemned Mugabe’s speech.

He, however, commended the UN Secretary General, whose term is coming to an end in December, for showing concern for Africa during humanitarian crises and disease outbreaks.

“Member states should show a goal of unity rather than their national or regional interest, based on their national interest”. Africa shall no longer tolerate slavery by any means; by denial of rights…I hope you will hear from us on the issue of the United Nations reform.

“We wish you well”.

President Mugabe also said it “was an honour to guide our organisation to implement its vision of the Africa We Want”.

In a laugh-inducing farewell to the AU Assembly, he told President Déby he was available to render advice thus: “I will still be there, until God says “come join the other angels”.

The applause was long and warm as President Mugabe made his way off the podium, twice raising his fist in a salute that brought the entire AU Assembly to its feet. “Reform.” Those were Mugabe’s fiery words as he handed over the African Union chairmanship to Chad’s president Idriss Deby over the weekend.

Africa is the recipient of most declarations on peace and security but has been marginalised to non-permanent membership, thus does not have influence on major decisions. “African people want African governments to be responsible and embrace democratic values”.