Global Policy Forum

By Michael Littlejohns

Alarmed by the Organization of African Unity's choice of Sudan, still widely regarded as a rogue state, for a UN Security Council vacancy, the West has encouraged a contest by favoring the entry of Mauritius as a candidate. The action is considered likely to lead to a bitter fight.

Whatever members from developing countries may think about the Khartoum government, the decision by the US and others to intervene may actually help Sudan, according to some diplomats, who said there was natural resentment that Africa was not being allowed to make its own selection, no matter how wrongheaded.

The Europeans also are in a fight, with Ireland, Norway and Italy campaigning for two vacancies. Italy, now the fifth largest contributor to the UN budget (ahead of the UK) and aspiring to permanent membership in the Council, may be hard to beat, leaving Norway and Ireland to battle for the other seat. Both of these states are exceptionally loyal UN members that have contributed regularly to peacekeeping operations. Singapore is assured of election to fill an Asian vacancy.