SPECPOL implements theocratic government in Somalia

Early in the discussion of the plan for the United Nations to continue peacekeeping efforts in Somalia, countries voiced their concerns. Two working papers were drafted: one proposed the creation of a new Islamic Republican form of government, while another called upon the committee to reinforce the existing transitional government.

Resolution 2.1, implementing a new government in Somalia, was passed with 33 yay votes from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Great Britain, Japan and Venezuela to 21 nay votes from opposing countries such as Somalia, China, Ecuador, and Cambodia. The resolution entailed that the UN enter Somalia to establish an Islamic Republic and stabilize the country under a unified religious government.

The Venezuelan delegate expresses his support for Resolution 2.1.

The UN’s efforts to stabilize political tension in Somalia date back to the country’s governmental collapse in the 1990s. Somalia has become a failed state facing continued struggles with piracy and lawlessness. SPECPOL passed resolution 2.1 with the hopes of restoring stability and order for the Somali people. The UN previously established the Transitional Federal Government in 2004, which until recently has been the recognized government in Somalia.

With the Al-Shabab insurgents battling for increased control of the war-torn country, the UN felt that it was time to pursue greater efforts to stabilize the political environment. The main religion in Somalia is Islam, and resolution 2.1 used Islam as the foundation for uniting the country under one government.

Yet the Somali delegate remained strongly opposed to this resolution, stating that “the UN should not make efforts to remove established governments [or] implement new ones” and declaring the “ridiculousness” of the resolution. He felt that his country’s sovereignty was being infringed upon. If this resolution is to be implemented, the established transitional government would be entirely changed to a new Islamic republic, bringing in politicians and military forces from the African Union and Arab League. The committee’s Islamic members and Somalia’s neighbors both believed this resolution offered a step towards the stabilization of Somalia because the existing Transitional Government has been criticized as highly corrupt.

A second working paper by North Korea, Russia, Hungary, China, India, and Paraguay called for the consolidation of the existing transitional government. Since the first resolution was passed, this working paper was never seen by the majority of the committee. There were several motions made to show this alternative working paper, but the chairs decided that these motions were not in order. Other motions called for a revote due to allegations that certain delegates had misrepresented their countries, but the initial resolution withstood all challenges.

SPECPOL debates as countries reach the brink of war

            Anarchy packed the early sessions of the Special Political Committee as the body debated the controversial disputes over the South China Sea.  With resolutions constantly rejected and motions made to table the entire topic, the committee struggled to move forward on a solution to this important issue.

            The South China Sea is a colossal economic resource in the global economy.  In addition to containing several islands that are home to valuable resources like fish, oil, and natural gas, over one-third of the world’s shipping passes through the area.

            After hours of caucusing and frequent attempts by Ecuador to close debate, it seemed that there was finally a chance for a resolution to be passed.  Although the body agreed that the resolution would be beneficial, its proposals had many flaws. As John Reisig, the delegate from Slovakia put it: “It could have been better.” Some delegates believed that SPECPOL did not have the power to force countries to act but could only advise them.

            But immediately before the cessation for lunch, a motion for a final vote on the resolution was heard by the chair. As this resolution, Resolution 1.2, passed in its efforts to resolve trade discussions in the South China Sea, thunderous applause arose from the SPECPOL delegates.

            This merriment, however, was short lived due to the crisis that followed. A group of suited men stormed into the committee, escorting Kyle Kullander, the secretary general of the committee. The room fell silent as Mr. Kullander took the stage. Every delegate was shocked as they heard the news that he brought: Filipino operatives had kidnapped the prime minister of China, to which China had immediately responded with a barrage of biological attacks on the Philippines.

Mr. Kullander informs SPECPOL of the events in Asia.

            As the delegates quickly divided into competing alliances, the crisis was complicated further by news from the World Health Organization.  The honorable chair from WHO informed the committee that the Filipino operatives had assassinated the Chinese prime minister and that Manila had been ravaged by a bout of smallpox engineered by the Chinese.  Debate on the crisis remained tense as delegates tried to lay the blame for these events. Ragaa Kunda, the delegate from Cambodia felt that “the Philippines are at fault because… the Philippines allowed the Chines PM to be assassinated.”

            Although the delegates seemed to be close to a fight on the committee floor, the SPECPOL chair reminded the committee of its need to foster peace and avoid the threat of war at all costs. Despite the clear devastation that had occurred as a result of recent events, SPECPOL remained unable to effectively handle the crisis, instead leaving the issue to the Security Council and those countries directly involved.  With the topic of the crisis tabled by the body, SPECPOL then attempted to compose itself for what would likely be a difficult debate on the plight of the Somali people.