This month the Republic of Uganda is hosting 19th Non Alligned Movemnt. This movement is a forum of over 120 countries, the biggest after the United Nations. Founded on the basis to advance interests of developing countries in the context of Cold War. It originated after the Korean War as an effort by countries to counterbalance the expeditious bi-polarization of the world during the Cold War where two major powers formed blocs and embarked on policies to pull the rest into their respective orbit.

The well known two blocs were the Warsaw and NATO. In 1961, basing on the principles agreed at the Bandung Conference of 1955, the Non-Alligned Movement was formally established in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.

Since its establishment, the movement gained traction in 1950s and early 1960s, when they achieved major success in decolonization, disarmament, opposition to racism and apartheid in South Africa.

The movement has been a constant critics to UN structures and powers and has been calling for reforms by putting forward number of recommendations that it says would strengthen the representation and power of Non-Alligned Movement.

One major failure of the movement is the unsuccessful support for the case of Puerto Rico’s self determination since 1961 and that of Western Sahara since 1973.

As the member states gather in Kampala for the 9th meeting, I hope our leaders focus much on South-South cooperation. The existing Non-Alligned Movemnet Center for South-South Techncial Cooperation is the weakest Intergovernmental Organization. This body should be provided with the necessary support to enable the developing countries to increase their national capacity and their collective viability and self reliance.

Lack of political cohesion and weak leadership continue to hinder the progress of NAM and rendered the body functionally ineffective and remained captive to the world power states. The 9th meeting NAM and the expected Kampala Declaration must be a new dawn for the NAM. The meeting should articulately address the structural and leadership weaknesses and provide concrete solutions and mechanisms that will enable the movement progress and achieve its historical objectives.

It is expected that the member states with relatively stable economy will shoulder bigger parts of the financial constraints faced by the movement for decades and provide funds for the critical areas of operations.

9th meeting should also come out clearly on the case of Puerto Rico and Western Sahara self determination. Justice delayed is justice denied.

Until the issues of health, poverty eradication, technology and innovation, tertiary education and research, stability, political and economic independence are still far from the priority list of NAM member states, the movement will continue to clinically suffer and no one will come for the rescue.

By: Paul Dhel Gum

LLB University of Nairobi

Juba/ South Sudan.