Gambari Calls For Reform Of UN Security Council To Meet Today’s Economic Demographic, Political Realities

The call for UN Security Council reform was once again at the forefront of discussions in terms of preventing genocide, as witnessed against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Speaking at the 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi at Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, former Under-Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Department of Political Affairs, UN Headquarters New York, urged the UN to reform not only in terms of the use or misuse of veto power, but also in terms of membership expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories.

Gambari, a former Nigerian Minister of External Affairs (now Foreign Affairs) and at one time the Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari,
In his keynote speech at the commemorative public lecture organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Nigeria, the Rwandan High Commission in Nigeria, and Covenant University, he emphasised that the UN Security Council membership should be reformed and democratised to reflect today’s economic, demographic, and political realities, with Africa fully represented and taken into account.

He stated, “The genocide in Rwanda had the additional and possibly unintended consequence of reawakening African governments to an appreciation of their own Responsibility to Protect regarding civilian populations beyond their territorial borders.”

He continued, “Rwanda taught Africans not to rely solely on the goodwill of the larger international community to police and resolve conflicts on their continent. The need for Pax Africana, or for Africa to develop its own resources and mechanisms to initiate effective and robust engagements to resolve the continent’s problems, became increasingly apparent.”

In his statement to the gathering, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged everyone to reject hatred and discrimination and stand together. He stated: “On this solemn day of remembrance, let us pledge to stand together against all forms of hatred and discrimination. Let us ensure that the acts that began on April 7, 1994, are never forgotten or repeated anywhere.”

Guterres, whose statement was read by UNIC National Information Officer Oluseyi Soremekun, stated, “We will never forget the victims of this genocide.” Nor will we ever forget the survivors’ bravery and resilience, whose courage and willingness to forgive continue to be a source of light and hope in the midst of this dark chapter in human history.”

The Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, stated that “the path to lasting peace requires constant vigilance.” As we renew, we affirm our unwavering commitment to combating intolerance, discrimination, ethnic hatred, hate speech, genocide revisionism, and denial in all of their forms.”

On the occasion of Kwibuka 30, he said, “Let us work together to ensure that the victims’ memory becomes a powerful force for good, inspiring future generations to choose peace over hatred, unity over division, and hope over despair.”

According to him, this could be accomplished in a variety of ways, including incorporating lessons about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi into school curricula to educate the young and the next generation on the importance of combating hate ideologies and standing up to all forms of discrimination and division.

He challenged everyone to work together to create a world in which such atrocities would never occur again. “Let us renew our commitment to the values of tolerance, compassion, and human dignity as we continue on our transformative journey to create a better future for all.”

Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, acknowledged that in all the conflicts leading to devastating loss of civilian life, massive displacement, capital flights, destruction of infrastructure and economic institutions, violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, the United Nations has always played a pivotal role in maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid, and promoting sustainability.

He stated: “Today’s reflection is critical because those who do not remember or consider history are doomed to repeat it. We remember, therefore, the heinous crime of inhumane treatment meted out not only to Tutsis but to all humanity in Rwanda in 1994.”

Bishop David Oyedepo, the university’s Chancellor, charged African leaders with being sensitive to injustice in order to ensure regional peace and stability. He spoke about ‘It is time to wake up and take responsibility.’