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Professor Gambari advocates for expansion of UN security council
Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations and Head of the UN Department of Political Affairs, in a virtual public lecture emphasized the imperative for reforming the UN Security Council’s membership.
He stated, “The membership of the UN Security Council should be reformed and democratized to reflect today’s economic demographic and political realities, and Africa should be fully represented, and taken into consideration.”
Gambari’s call for reform coincided with the 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, prompting reflections on the need for change. He underscored the significance of Africa’s inclusion in the Security Council, addressing the continent’s evolving role in global affairs.
READ ALSO: Gambari: I report only to the President Buhari, not the public
The virtual lecture, organised by the UN Information Centre (UNIC) Nigeria, Rwanda High Commission in Nigeria, and Covenant University, provided a platform for discussing lessons learned from past tragedies.
Gambari reiterated, “Rwanda taught Africans not to rely purely on the goodwill of the larger international community to police and resolve conflicts on their continent.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking through the UNIC National Information Officer Oluseyi Soremekun, urged global solidarity against hatred and discrimination.
He remarked, “Let’s pledge to stand as one against all forms of hatred and discrimination and, ensure acts that began on April 7, 1994, are never forgotten, never repeated anywhere.”
Christophe Bazivamo, the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, stressed the importance of vigilance in maintaining peace. He advocated for education about the 1994 genocide to combat hate ideologies and discrimination, stating, “As we renew our minds, we restate our unbreakable pledge to fight intolerance, discrimination, ethnic hatred, hate speech, genocide, and denial in all their forms.”
Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, underscored the necessity of remembering history to prevent its recurrence. He warned, “Today’s reflection is critical because those who do not remember their past or mind history are predestined to repeat history.”
Bishop David Oyedepo, Chancellor of the university, emphasized the proactive role of African leaders in addressing conflict. He asserted, “Leaders must be sensitive to injustice and ensure peace and stability of the region.”
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