Finding our moral voice

SOUTH Africa is looking to find its moral voice in the world again, and to do so it needs to capitalise on the opportunity of sitting on the UN Security Council over the next two years.

This is our opportunity to shine a light on issues that need addressing in international peace and security, and move the big powers to address the forgotten and intractable conflicts. It is our chance to really criticise the unilateral moves of the US and insist on a collective approach to security issues.

While we cannot overestimate either our influence or importance on the world stage, South Africa’s voice does count for something and we will be there representing the continent. We therefore have a moral obligation to set the agenda at least in terms of resolving conflicts on the continent, particularly in South Sudan, the CAR, Burundi and the DRC.

The days of indifference must end and the world must realise that continued instability and bloodletting in Africa will have consequences for the developed world.

We had laudable goals during our last two stints as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, both times championing a UN resolution that called for greater co-operation between the UNSC and the AU Peace and Security Council. But this time our contribution must go deeper into rallying support for the tangible resolution of conflicts as a matter of urgency. The level of our determination on the issue of conflict resolution will work towards regaining our moral stature.