Politics

Should we seek out, or avoid politically sensitive issues in cooperation countries? There seems to be an occasional but ongoing discussion whether we (and the UN) should or should not get involved.

Following the developments in Zimbabwe some time ago, the Namibia Government began contemplating the re-distribution of land. I suggested to the Representative of the concerned specialized agency (which was busy replacing pigeon peas with more drought-resistant and nutritious chicken peas^[1]) to research options for land reform. I tried to explain the benefits of providing some logic and rational arguments as an input into the already emotional national land reform debate.

The specialized Representative was flabbergasted because this would – in her words – interfere with internal politics of the country. The rest of the UN Country Team agreed.

Now, in my mind the “sensitivity” of a particular political issue is an indication that the country finds it difficult to resolve this issue – and that outside mediation might be needed. Shouldn’t we therefore not make an effort to get involved? And add value by contributing a non-partisan piece of global experience and lessons, and internationally agreed standards and norms? I am not saying that it always will be easy or immediate welcome, nor do I suggest to replace programme experts with politicians. 

But unless anyone believes our business is chicken peas, I think we should get involved.

^[1] Perhaps it was the other way round, or perhaps it was different crop alltogether.

(25 April 2003)

previous         next