Rwanda is poised to replace South Africa at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) after receiving the support of the African Union.The two-year non-permanent member, rotational slot is reserved for the Eastern and Southern Africa region. Rwanda is expected to occupy the position effective January 2013, according to officials. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Government Spokesperson, Louise Mushikiwabo, confirmed that the country had received an endorsement of the AU.“We have just received unanimous support from African countries,” Mushikiwabo said in reference to the backing of AU member states. “We began by seeking support from Eastern African bloc to which Rwanda is a member.”Rwanda expects to file its application to the UN later this year, with the elections set for September. Rwanda expects to be supported by European and Asian countries as well, according to Mushikiwabo. India has already expressed its support.The timing will particularly be important as it will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi – coincidentally, Rwanda held the same position from 1994-1995.The United Nations failed to intervene to stop the Genocide as Rwanda’s ambassador to the UN, at the time, Jean-Damascene Bizimana spoke in defence of his government amidst endless debate on whether the UN should intervene or not.“It will be an important and symbolic milestone because Rwanda will be commemorating the 20th anniversary (of the Genocide),” an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told The New Times yesterday.Rwanda, one of the safest countries in the world, is a major contributor to peacekeeping, maintaining over 3,000 troops in the Unamid in Darfur, Sudan; and other contingents in Liberia and Haiti.Observers say the country’s impressive record in other areas, including its well-known anti-corruption stance, achievement of food security levels, business reforms, among others, have all helped boost its international standing.
