By Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on Thursday, 20th of July, confirmed at a UN Security Council Open Debate on peace and security in Africa, that over 14 million people are at risk of famine in four african countries. The Ambassador, according to feeds, in his talk highlighted the nexus between humanitarian crises, human rights, and international peace and security on the continent.
“More than 14 million people are at risk of famine today in northeast Nigeria, Somalia, and South Sudan. This is a crisis that should be leading every newscast and on the front page of every newspaper. The United States will continue to lead in bringing together resources to overcome this crisis.”
Following his reinstatement of the United States commitment at putting a lasting solution to menace, he reminded the world that the U.S. on Saturday, 8th of July offered another USD446 million as humanitarian aid.
In his words: “On July 8, we announced an additional $446 million in humanitarian assistance to suffering people from South Sudan, Nigeria, and Somalia, bringing the total for fiscal year 2017 to $1.4 billion. And we thank all the donors and communities hosting the displaced for their incredible generosity.”
Nikki Haley however regretted a factor drawing the hand of their clock behind. According to him, it is really unfortunate that “…our ability to provide real relief is hampered by one inescapable fact: armed conflict is the primary cause of food insecurity in South Sudan, Nigeria, and Somalia.”
In conclusion, the Ambassador noted that if the battle must be won, then, human rights must precede conflict. He further added that if the world must secure peace and security, human rights must also precede politics.
“The commitment to promoting human rights must precede conflict – and take precedence over politics – in order to secure peace and security. When the nations of the African Group put forward a country like the Democratic Republic of Congo to be a member of the Human Rights Council, it does more than just weaken that body – it adds to the conflict that is causing so much suffering on that continent.”
Correspondent: Ridwan A. Olayiwola