Since 1952, the UN General Assembly has been the main cognitive, and legislative organ within the United Nations. Inclusive of all 193 member states, the General Assembly creates a specific basis for all state members to discuss and debate international issues such as, noted by María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President-elect of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly, the theme “Making the United Nations relevant to all people: Global leadership and shared responsibilities for peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies”.1 The importance of the theme for this years 73rd debate is relative to the atrocious civil wars, and nefarious human rights violations that have been perpetrated against populations across the world in the last decade. Countries with weaker economic and political hold struggle to self-sustain themselves with resources, and provide adequate social services for their citizens. Throughout the last few decades it has become apparent that world coalitions, unions, alliances and multilateralism between states has produced a much more effective way for countries to grow in the political, societal and economic sector.
It is imperative for the UN to ensure the progress of development so that all nations can live peacefully through self-sustainable living.2 During this year’s General Assembly, each member state came forward to highlight the key issues that have been inhibiting each nations potential to their own standards of peace, sustainable living and, economic growth, yet also bring forth steps to reach the goals set by the UN.3 The two speeches from this years General Assembly that will be analyzed throughout this paper are that of the Central African Republic’s (C.A.R) President, Faustin-Archange Touadéra and Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Isse Awad. Both the Central-African Republic and Somalia touch on some of the core obstacles that prevent total peace, development and an adequate living standard for its citizens. However, both Somalia and C.A.R. have provided specific goals to enhance the development, peace, sustainability and security in their countries. In addition to the exploration of Somalia and C.A.R’s speeches, parts of this paper will incorporate the findings and ideas of Margaret P. Karns, Karen A. Mingst and Kendall W. Stiles on their chapter “The challenges of Global Governance” in their book “International Organizations: The Politics and Processes of Global Governance”. Integrating the ideas of this chapter will help provide insight and understanding to the examination of Somalia and C.A.R’s arguments.
For Somalia, their first and foremost key argument/issue is the fight with terrorism. Since independence in 1960, Somalia has faced decades of political instability, war and conflict.4 According to Karns, Mingst, and Stiles that in similarity to Somalia, sovereignty allows a state to control its own economical, and political affairs; although in numerous cases, sovereignty tends to be a states weakness; and is more susceptible to civil war and political unrest.5 However, Somalia has recently been at a constant battle with an infamous terrorist group known as Al-Shabaab that has been in complete rule over the central and southern part of the country since 2002.6 At the start of 2012, there was an estimated 3.7 million people in crisis, in addition with 3.2 million people in need of critical assistance.7 As a result, the impact of violence that has carried up until recent years has made it difficult for Somalia to strengthen its position in the political, economic and social services sector.8
Secondly, due to the violence and political instability, there has been an arms embargo placed, along with multiple economic sanctions on Somalia.9 Somalia’s concern with the current arms embargo, is that it is preventing their national army from leveling the playing field with Al-Shabaab and that a stronger army with more enhanced weapons would provide the means for Somalia to gain the upperhand.10 Somalia’s foreign minister addressed, during his speech, that in order to achieve peace and security within their country that the 73rd theme promotes, is through their initiative to “expand the democratic space of their people” and that “the government needs to be highly involved for Somalia to be prosperous”.11
While the remains of violence, inhibited social services, and economic instability still lurks amongst Somalia’s people, the government is on its way to tackling a majority of these issues with concrete steps forward, which were made presented during the 73rd session.12 To start off, Somalia has begun to participate in the construction of civil networks, in order to stimulate a healthy partnership between police and civilians in order to dispose of remaining terrorists.13 The Somali government is committed to creating a plan for transition into security and economic reform.14 Ahmed Isse Awad mentions during his speech that to create a peaceful and prosperous Somalia it will not stop at vanquishing Al-Shabaab, but continue with taking crucial pushes in providing citizens with trust in their government. The rebuild of trust will be done though respecting the rule of law, and upholding and protecting people’s rights.15 For example, the Somalian government has issued a prompt order that the Somali National Army follow, and respect international humanitarian and human rights laws.16 Secondly, the government has insured investigations into war crimes and state that they deal with those responsible accordingly no matter what rank of authority they may uphold.17 The Somalian government has also recently begun allowing the monitoring by NGOs of detention facilities and police facilities,18 and are in the works of creating a justice system that is capable of carrying out justice in accordance with international law.19
Somalia has set about an agreed upon, new election model, collectively by the central government and through the terms with federal member states in order to promote democracy. As a result, they’ve strengthened alliances with regional groups who share the same interests in the areas of development, security, the economy and social cooperation.20
Thirdly, Somalia has taken economic initiative in regards to lowering debt and are committed to a boost in economic integration.21 The IMF (International Monetary Fund) which is designed to help improve macroeconomic stability and reconstruction of key institutions, according to Karns, Mingst and Stiles, is a way that all countries can participate in a sense of global leadership, as the IMF is governed and obliged to the 189 member states.22 To support Somalia’s claim, the IMF reported that despite the ongoing economic and political setbacks, that Somalia’s fiscal position has improved and the Somali government reported a high domestic revenue mobilization.23 Although the IMF is set in place as a catalyst for development in developing nations, there tends to be controversy in the notion that votes and decisions made are based on countries financial contribution;24 thus making it difficult for developing nations to be involved in any kind of leadership with the IMF. Despite the role of NGOs and IGOs like the IMF, known as institutions to promote global governance, peace and security; countries like the United States often use these institutions to implement rules and laws that are in accordance with their own interests and values.25
In addition to steps towards economic enhancement, one of Somalia’s actions to meeting the goals of the UN, is their joining of, along with Tunisia, Africa’s largest trade bloc, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.26 Somalia, will now be able to benefit from a triangular free trade zone with the Southern African Development Community and the East African Community.27
When discussing the means of self-sustainability, Somalia’s history is filled with drought, over extraction of resources and exploitation of the land.28 During the 73rd General Assembly Somalia has repositioned itself to move with the content of Africa and have a current set framework in achieving sustainable productivity in utilizing fisheries and livestock.29
Lastly, Somalia has declared their commitment to the African Union’s goal of making Somalia a gun silenced nation, one of Africa’s core initiatives to take full control of the continents peace and security, and ending wars and conflicts by 2020.30 For Somalia, and the rest of Africa, silencing the guns is a vital key in achieving its social and development goals.31
In similarity to Somalia, C.A.R’s President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, talks about the first of multiple core arguments surrounding the issue of the ongoing humanitarian crisis throughout the country. From the time of 2014 C.A.R was overthrown by an islamic rebel group known as the Seleka.32 Since this coup, the country has been completely undermined with violence due to the struggle for power with anti-balaka christian rebels.33 The impact of civil war and violence has completely osculated the political, social and economic position of the country. Although C.A.R has been enriched with agriculture, water, oil and mineral resources, as well as diamond deposits, instability has still managed, for decades, to cripple the economy.34
According to Karns, Mingst, and Stiles, in many circumstances, internal turmoil amongst nations is because “[t]he ways in which globalization change the significance of the borders of states and the very nature of world politics. They mean that states no longer have monopoly on power and authority”.35 Therefore, Karns, Mingst and Stiles illustrate that globalization, in some cases, creates a breeding ground for the exploitation of resources, people and senseless violence.36 Next, during his speech, President Touadera de-briefed about the need for Africa to obtain a permanent seat on the Security Council with the right to a veto, in order to ensure a more just and equal chance to provide their people with peace and security.37 Therefore, a seat on the Security Council for Africa, would best enable the implementation of a possibility for the UN to be made relevant for all people. Currently, it appears that a contrast between the UN and Africa is present. This contrast is in a manner that shows amongst the Security Council and the General Assembly, as there is recurrent talk in regards to Africa’s development problems along the lines of the UN’s discourse, yet there is very little inclusion of African leaders regarding their own countries matters in the international arena.38
Simultaneously, C.A.R emphasized the need and crucial lift of the arms embargo, (likewise to Somalia), and the removal of economic sanctions placed on the country.39 Although economic sanctions and embargoes are placed upon states by the UN to manage conflict and promote peace and security, C.A.R states that economic sanctions currently in place for the nation are tampering with the economic growth for the country.40 To support C.A.R’s claim regarding the effect of economic sanctions on its prosperity, some scholars have recently noted that sanctions could deteriorate public-health conditions and effect the economic-welfare of the targeted population.41 Quoted by Lisa Hultman and Dursun Peksen in their journal article “Successful or Counterproductive Coercion? The Effect of International Sanctions on Conflict Intensity.” Both authors state “some recent work finds that sanctions might affect the target’s political stability by triggering more anti government protests, threatening the leadership’s tenure, and changing the dynamics of the terrorist campaigns.” 42 In essence, C.A.R claims that it could be potentially beneficial to development, self-sustainability, peace and security to eliminate current sanctions.43
In respect to the main arguments C.A.R presented during their speech, the government has also come up with crucial steps forward in order to counteract the violence, political and economic instability in the country. First, the C.A.R government has set up a framework for the National Plan for Recovery and Peace Building, Touadera mentioned that “C.A.R and partners have already launched 21 projects in the area of basic social services”.44
In addition, this years IMF staff review on C.A.R. claimed that economic progression is on the rise and economic reforms and programs remain on track.45 Part of the National Plan for Recovery and Peace Building relies heavily on the reform of the defense and security sector which has made momentous improvement.46 Along with the recent deployment of domestic C.A.R defence and security forces, which have generated high optimism from the IMF that C.A.R. will at last break free from this continuous cycle of violence.47
In regards to participation in global leadership and the involvement of multilateral leadership, C.A.R mentioned that one of their main steps forward was taking part of regional interests with the African Union. President Touadera emphasized that C.A.R will be joining the march with the rest of Africa to “pool resources and lay the ground works for a coherent, holistic approach that contributes to the development of a global doctrine, to address these asymmetrical threats that have now become dominant.” 48 C.A.R is certain that with the coalition of fellow African states, some peace and economic sustainability can be achieved. Keeping Karns, Mingst and Stiles in mind in support of C.A.R’s strong stance on coalition with the African Union, is based on the belief that participating states assume reciprocal since the benefits throughout time; thus, multi-actor peace operations have transformed into the leading approach to conducting peace operations.49
Lastly, C.A.R voiced their position on moving forward with rebuilding the judiciary environment in the country along with setting up a framework for a Truth and Justice Reparation and Reconciliation Committee.50 With the international push for a Truth and Reconciliation Committee for victims of war crimes as a pathway to peace, the C.A.R government has announced during the 73rd General Assembly that the special penal court will in soon time begin their first investigations.51 The special court will be trying individuals and groups that are suspected of the most heinous crimes such as rape, torture, forcing children to become child soldiers and violent attacks large civilian populations.52
In subsequence, both Somalia and C.A.R arose as newly sovereign states towards the mid to end of the 20th century. Whist, at the same time the emergence of a new and improved body of international government, was arising as a predecessor from the League of Nations that collapsed just after the second World War, now known as the United Nations. The UN gave the international community a place a to bring disputes between nations to be solved through negotiations and peace. The General Assembly was established in 1945,53 where the world’s member states could join to debrief, implement policies and share ideas while working together to establish goals that would promote peace and sustainable livelihoods for all countries. This years 2018, 73rd Session of the General Assembly was based around the theme of “Making the United Nations relevant to all people: global leadership and shared responsibilities for peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies”.54 The 73rd session gave countries, like Somalia and C.A.R to present their key arguments and advancements forward to reach the goal of this years assembly theme.
Although Somalia and C.A.R. have been ravaged with inter regional conflict, violence and economic disparity, even to this day; Somalia and C.A.R are working towards complete recovery with concrete initiatives in improving social services, reforms towards and more advanced National Security. C.A.R and Somalia have both taken commitments to engage in more commercial trade, and the reform of judicial systems with setting up framework for special penal courts to investigate some of the most atrocious war crimes that have taken place on their soil. These two countries have also pledged to participate in multilateral coalitions such as the African Union and support their regional goals in the means of peace and security in ending civil war and conflict. In order to pool resources move together as a continent in regards to self-sustainability, Karns, Mingst and Stiles have made it clear that participation in multilateralism is they key to making a nations role in global governance much stronger in the international arena, especially in terms of trade.55
Although the steps made by Somalia and C.A.R have made leaps in order to catch up to the development goals of the UN, it is still not certain whether the UN’s goals can be attainable for all people. As mentioned earlier; Karns, Mingst and Stiles note that due to the uncontrollable rise of globalization, attaining the goals sought by the UN could possibly remain bleak as in some cases, globalization is only increasing the gap between the privileged and unprivileged. However, no matter the circumstance of some member states ability to achieve the theme of the 73rd Session of the General Assembly, it does not reduce the importance of the theme collectively, as every year, policy’s can only be tweaked to be better, discussions to be more productive and governments can be more active on their promises. Nevertheless, if the current theme were to be forgotten, the whole foundation for the United Nations and more General Assembly’s to come may not last long enough to serve future generations.
Endnotes
1. “Opening of the 73rd Session of the General Assembly | General Assembly of the United Nations,” United Nations, accessed November 12, 2018, https://www.un.org/pga/73/2018/09/18/opening-of-the-73rd-session/.
2. “Opening of the 73rd Session of the General Assembly | General Assembly of the United Nations,” United Nations, accessed November 12, 2018, https://www.un.org/pga/73/2018/09/18/opening-of-the-73rd-session/.
3. “Opening of the 73rd Session of the General Assembly | General Assembly of the United Nations,” United Nations, accessed November 12, 2018, https://www.un.org/pga/73/2018/09/18/opening-of-the-73rd-session/.
4. Tase Peter, “Terrorism, War and Conflict, an Analysis into the Horn of Africa – Al Shabaab in Somalia; US and UN Efforts to Reduce Violence,”Academicus International Scientific Journal 7 (2013): , doi:10.7336/academicus.2013.07.03.) 27
5. Margaret P. Karns, Karen A. Mingst, and Kendall W. Stiles, “The Challenges of Global Governance,” in International Organizations: The Politics and Processes of Global Governance, Third ed. (Boulder, Colorado: Lynne Ripener Publishers, 2015). 8
6. Tase Peter, “Terrorism, War and Conflict, an Analysis into the Horn of Africa – Al Shabaab in Somalia; US and UN Efforts to Reduce Violence,” 27.
7. Tase Peter, “Terrorism, War and Conflict, an Analysis into the Horn of Africa – Al Shabaab in Somalia; US and UN Efforts to Reduce Violence,” 27.
8. Tase Peter, “Terrorism, War and Conflict, an Analysis into the Horn of Africa – Al Shabaab in Somalia; US and UN Efforts to Reduce Violence,” 27.
9. Awad Isse, Ahmed. “Somalia.” United Nations video. Posted
10. Awad Isse, Ahmed. “Somalia.” United Nations video. Posted
11. Awad Isse, Ahmed. “Somalia.” United Nations video. Posted
12. Tase Peter, “Terrorism, War and Conflict, an Analysis into the Horn of Africa – Al Shabaab in Somalia; US and UN Efforts to Reduce Violence,” 27.
13. Awad Isse, Ahmed. “Somalia.” United Nations video. Posted
14. “International Community Strengthens Support for Somalia’s Plans for Stability and Development,”accessed November 12, 2018, http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-4483_en.htm.
15. Awad Isse, Ahmed. “Somalia.” United Nations video. Posted
16. “Human Rights Priorities for Somalia’s New Government,” Human Rights Watch, May 03, 2017, accessed November 12, 2018, https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/05/02/human-rights-priorities-somalias-new-government.
17. Awad Isse, Ahmed. “Somalia.” United Nations video. Posted
18. “Human Rights Priorities for Somalia’s New Government,” Human Rights Watch, May 03, 2017, accessed November 12, 2018, https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/05/02/human-rights-priorities-somalias-new-government.
19. “Human Rights Priorities for Somalia’s New Government,” Human Rights Watch, May 03, 2017,accessed November 12, 2018, https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/05/02/human-rights-priorities-somalias-new-government.
20. Awad Isse, Ahmed. “Somalia.” United Nations video. Posted
21. Awad Isse, Ahmed. “Somalia.” United Nations video. Posted
22. “United States : IMF Management Completes the Second and Final Review under the Staff-Monitored Program for Somalia and IMF Managing Director Approves a Third Staff-Monitored Program.” Mena Report, 7 July 2018. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A545717555/ITOF?u=abbo55004&sid=ITOF&xid=a8c6194e. Accessed 7 Nov. 2018.
23. “United States : IMF Management Completes the Second and Final Review under the Staff-Monitored Program for Somalia and IMF Managing Director Approves a Third Staff-Monitored Program.” Mena Report, 7.
24. Margaret P. Karns, Mingst, and Stiles, “The Challenges of Global Governance,”11.
25. Margaret P. Karns, Mingst, and Stiles, “The Challenges of global Governance”, 23.
26. “Somalia Joins Africa’s Largest Trade Bloc -,” Home, July 19, 2018, , accessed November 12, 2018, https://www.gosahan.com/somalia-joins-Africas-largest-trade-bloc/.
27. “Somalia Joins Africa’s Largest Trade Bloc -,” Home, July 19, 2018, , accessed November 12, 2018, https://www.gosahan.com/somalia-joins-Africas-largest-trade-bloc/.
28. Tase Peter, “Terrorism, War and Conflict, an Analysis into the Horn of Africa – Al Shabaab in Somalia; US and UN Efforts to Reduce Violence,” 27.
29. Awad Isse, Ahmed. “Somalia.” United Nations video. Posted
30. Awad Isse, Ahmed. “Somalia.” United Nations video. Posted
31. “Silencing the Guns in Africa.” New African, 2018, 46. http://proxy.ufv.ca:2048/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsggo&AN=edsgcl.545022684&site=eds-live.
32. “Central African Republic: 2018 Country Review.” 2018. Central African Republic Country Review.http://proxy.ufv.ca:2048/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=129070548&site=eds-live. 2.
33. “Central African Republic: 2018 Country Review.” 2018. Central African Republic Country Review.http://proxy.ufv.ca:2048/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=129070548&site=eds-live. 2.
34. “Central African Republic: 2018 Country Review.” 2018. Central African Republic Country Review.http://proxy.ufv.ca:2048/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=129070548&site=eds-live. 2.
35. Margaret P. Karns, Mingst, and Stiles, “The Challenges of global Governance,” 4.
36. “Central African Republic: 2018 Country Review.” 2018. Central African Republic Country Review.http://proxy.ufv.ca:2048/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=129070548&site=eds-live.p. 2.
37. Touadera Archange, Faustin. “Central African Republic.” United Nation video. Posted September 26, 2018. https://gadebate.un.org/en/73/central-African-republic
38. Odeyemi, Temitayo Isaac, and Gideon Uchechukwu Igwebueze. “Africanity and the Quest for a Permanent Seat in the United Nations Security Council for Africa.” Journal of Pan African Studies 9, no. 10 (December 2016): 3
39. Touadera Archange, Faustin. “Central African Republic.” United Nation video. Posted September 26, 2018. https://gadebate.un.org/en/73/central-African-republic
40. Hultman, Lisa, and Dursun Peksen. “Successful or Counterproductive Coercion? The Effect of International Sanctions on Conflict Intensity.” Journal of Conflict Resolution 61, no. 6 (July 2017): 1315–39. doi:10.1177/0022002715603453.
41. Hultman, Lisa, and Dursun Peksen. “Successful or Counterproductive Coercion? The Effect of International Sanctions on Conflict Intensity,” 317.
42. Hultman, Lisa, and Dursun Peksen. “Successful or Counterproductive Coercion? The Effect of International Sanctions on Conflict Intensity,” 317.
43. Touadera Archange, Faustin. “Central African Republic.” United Nation video. Posted September 26, 2018. https://gadebate.un.org/en/73/central-African-republic
44. Touadera Archange, Faustin. “Central African Republic.” United Nation video,. Posted September 26, 2018. https://gadebate.un.org/en/73/central-African-republic
45. “Central African Republic : IMF Staff Completes Visit to Central African Republic.” Mena Report, September 18, 2018. General OneFile (accessed November 7, 2018). http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A554732340/ITOF?u=abbo55004&sid=ITOF&xid=ec07fc2
46. “Central African Republic: IMF Staff Completes Visit to Central African Republic.” Mena Report, September 18, 2018.p.1.
47. “Central African Republic : IMF Staff Completes Visit to Central African Republic.” Mena Report, September 18, 2018.p.1.
48. Touadera Archange, Faustin. “Central African Republic.” United Nation video. Posted September 26, 2018. https://gadebate.un.org/en/73/central-African-republic
49. Welz, Martin. “Multi-Actor Peace Operations and Inter-Organizational Relations: Insights from the Central African Republic.” International Peacekeeping (13533312) 23, no. 4 (August 2016): 568.
50. Touadera Archange, Faustin. “Central African Republic.” United Nation video. Posted September 26, 2018. https://gadebate.un.org/en/73/central-African-republic
51. Touadera Archange, Faustin. “Central African Republic.” United Nation video. Posted September 26, 2018. https://gadebate.un.org/en/73/central-African-republic
52. Plachta, Michael. 2015. “A New Special Criminal Court for the Central African Republic Has Been Set Up.” International Enforcement Law Reporter 31 (6): 234.
53. Summy, Hilary. “Countering War: The Role of the League of Nations Union.” Social Alternatives 33, no. 4 (October 2014): 18. http://proxy.ufv.ca:2048/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=100735818&site=eds-live.
54. “Opening of the 73rd Session of the General Assembly | General Assembly of the United Nations,” United Nations, , accessed November 12, 2018, https://www.un.org/pga/73/2018/09/18/opening-of-the-73rd-session/.
55. Margaret P. Karns, Mingst, and Stiles, “The Challenges of global Governance,” 11.