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Africa: A Growing Gap Between Principle and Implementation – 20 Years of Responsibility to Protect

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United Nations — United Nations member states this week reiterated their commitment to the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity–at a time when world powers are failing to meet these obligations.
On the 20th anniversary of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine, the UN held a Plenary Meeting to discuss the landmark commitment to the doctrine. Although many speakers praised the policy’s work on prevention capacity, members largely criticized the inconsistency and hypocrisy of states that have failed to adhere to the doctrine’s guidelines.
The representative from Slovenia criticized the Security Council permanent members’ veto power on issues addressing genocide and human rights violations, arguing that the veto slows the quick response needed for such issues when people’s dignity is threatened. She further suggested that there should be no veto power from Permanent Members in cases where R2P is involved.
This statement, although not explicitly, calls out the United States and the Russian Federation, the two Permanent Member states who have exercised their veto power in the past year–for the US, in regard to the Middle East and Palestine specifically, and for Russia, in regard to Sudan and South Sudan.
This critique is not new; the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (ACT) coalition of small and medium-sized states proposed a “Code of Conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes,” which, according to the R2P website, “calls upon all members of the Security Council (both permanent and elected) to not vote against any credible draft resolution intended to prevent or halt mass atrocities.” As of 2022, 121 member states and two observers have signed.
By reframing the protection of civilians from mass atrocities as a governmental duty and responsibility, R2P was created after inadequate responses to genocide in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia.
Although the initiative has been successful for mediating in regions like The Gambia and Kenya, as Secretary-General António Guterres noted in his report entitled “Responsibility to Protect: 20 years of commitment to principled and collective action,” R2P has failed to push the UN towards action in places like Syria or Myanmar, where veto deadlock prevented aid or policy change.
Another hindrance to R2P’s efficacy, as both Slovenia and a representative from Australia noted, is what the latter referred to as general impunity and lack of accountability for many states.
Criticizing sanctions and dismissal of international court rulings such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), this statement may have been in response to US sanctions towards four ICC judges after the court opened investigations concerning both the US and Israel’s military actions.
Neither nation recognizes the ICC’s authority, making them not subject to ICC rulings.
In a statement from the White House, President Donald Trump said, “The United States will impose tangible and significant consequences on those responsible for the ICC’s transgressions, some of which may include the blocking of property and assets, as well as the suspension of entry into the United States of ICC officials, employees, and agents, as well as their immediate family members, as their entry into our Nation would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.”
Multiple representatives reaffirmed their respect for impartial judicial rulings and international courts and tribunals in the General Assembly meeting despite verbal and economic pushback from some of the most influential member states.
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The R2P’s most glaring inconsistency between principle and implementation lies in the conflict in Gaza. The representative from Indonesia highlighted the genocide against Palestine as “the R2P’s most urgent test,” urging member states to revive the sanctity of international law and restore trust in the UN’s ability to enforce their policy. As trust in the UN has waned, many feel a growing pressure to re-legitimize the institution through their actions, particularly regarding crimes against humanity.
As one representative noted, “History will judge us all.”
IPS UN Bureau Report
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Read the original article on IPS.
AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.
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Africa: Governor Sanwo-Olu Excited As Lagos Becomes First African City to Host E1 Electric Powerboat Race

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October 8, 2025

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“By joining cities like Monaco, London, and Venice on the E1 calendar, Lagos has once again shown that we are bold, resilient, and ready to take our place on the global stage,” the govenor said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday evening hailed the city’s debut as the first African host of the E1 electric powerboat race, the E1 Lagos GP, describing it as a milestone in clean energy, innovation, and youth empowerment.
In a post on X, Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked President Bola Tinubu for his goodwill message and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability and the blue economy.
“By joining cities like Monaco, London, and Venice on the E1 calendar, Lagos has once again shown that we are bold, resilient, and ready to take our place on the global stage,” he said.
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The championship, which comes to an end on Sunday at the Victoria Island Lagoon, began Friday with a vibrant boat regatta showcasing the beauty of Lagos’ waterways.
Saturday featured qualifying trials and high-speed races, during which competitors demonstrated skill, precision, and teamwork.
“Lagos truly shone as we hosted the world with warmth, pride, and excitement. I’m proud of everyone who helped make this event a success and of the amazing Lagosians who came out to support,” the governor said.
Speaking at the African Blue Economy Summit recently, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the city’s ambition to leverage its waterways for jobs, innovation, transport, and climate resilience.
“Hosting the E1 Lagos GP has shown how water can inspire sport, entertainment, and big ideas in technology and sustainability,” he said, noting ongoing investments in maritime infrastructure and water transport.
In a thrilling qualifying session, Team Rafa, owned by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, secured pole position ahead of Team Brady and Aoki Racing. The result lifted Team Rafa to the top of the overall standings with 136 points, one ahead of Team Brady on 135, while Aoki Racing followed with 125 points.
Additionally, Team Brazil, sponsored by Claure Group, earned 51 points. Other standings include Team Blue Rising (114), Westbrook Racing (82), Team Alula (LeBron James, 79), Team Drogba Global Africa (66), and Team Miami (32).
E1 founder and CEO Rodi Basso hailed the Lagos round as a defining moment for motorsport in Africa and for the championship’s global expansion.
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He said, “The warm welcome in Lagos has been incredible. The passion of Nigerians made this historic E1 Lagos GP presented by FirstBank possible.
“Our ambition is to build a motorsport legacy in Africa. This weekend’s race is just the beginning, and today’s qualifying offered a thrilling preview of race day.”
Thousands of fans are expected at the Marina waterfront on Sunday as excitement builds across Lagos.
African football legend Didier Drogba and partner Gabrielle Lemaire, instrumental in bringing the E1 Series to Africa, will attend to support Team Drogba Global Africa.
The E1 Series, sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), is the world’s first all-electric powerboat championship. Launched in 2024, it features hydrofoil-equipped RaceBirds that can reach speeds of up to 50 knots while reducing environmental impact.
The 2025 season includes cities such as Jeddah, Doha, Monaco, and Miami, with Lagos marking Africa’s first appearance.
The event has attracted celebrity-backed teams, including Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, LeBron James, Steve Aoki, Virat Kohli, and Will Smith.
Highlights of the Lagos GP, including thrilling near-flips and high-speed manoeuvres, are available here: E1 Lagos GP 2025: Team Brady’s Near Flip Shocks the Crowd.
Read the original article on Premium Times.
AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.
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Africa: Gambia Slip to Guinea Bissau in Wafu a U-17 Cup of Nations Starter

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October 7, 2025

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The Gambia on Sunday lost to Guinea Bissau 2-0 in their opening match of the 2025 WAFU A U-17 Cup of Nations played at the Stade Mamadou Konateh.
The Baby Scorpions made an astonishing start to the match and contained Guinea Bissau in the midfield, crafting several goal scoring opportunities.
Bisenty Mendy could have opened the scores for The Gambia twice in the first half but his shots went away.
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Alieu Drammeh also came very close to opening the scores for the Baby Scorpions during the first half but his shot went over the cross bar.
Guinea Bissau opened the scores before half time.
The Gambia reacted quickly for an equaliser and created goal scoring opportunities but were wasteful in front of goal thus the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Guinea Bissau.
Upon resumption of the match, The Gambia injected in several fresh legs to fancy their chances of levelling the scores.
The Baby Scorpions mounted heavy pressure on Guinea Bissau and created many goal scoring opportunities but failed to capitalise on them.
Guinea Bissau scored their second goal in the dying minute of the match to dart The Gambia’s hopes of coming back to their feet.
The Gambia fought hard for an equaliser and piled heavy pressure on Guinea Bissau, creating goal scoring chances but failed to materialise on them thus the match ended 2-0 in favour of Guinea Bissau.
The win earns Guinea Bissau second-place in Group A of the 2025 WAFU A U-17 Cup of Nations with 3 points in one group match.
The Baby Scorpions occupy third-place in Group A of the sub-regional cadet biggest football fiesta without a point after one group match.
The Gambia need to beat Liberia in their second group match on Wednesday to increase their chances of cruising to the semi-finals of the 2025 WAFU A U-17 Cup of Nations.
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Read the original article on The Point.
AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.
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Africa: AUC Chairperson Received H.E. Ruslan Nasibov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan

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October 7, 2025

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Last week, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received H.E. Ruslan Nasibov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the AU.
They exchanged on strengthening Africa-Azerbaijan relations. The Chairperson commended Azerbaijan’s constructive diplomacy and efforts toward peace, including in its region.
Ambassador Nasibov congratulated the Chairperson on his election and conveyed his country’s continued support, as well as a personal invitation from President Ilham Aliyev to visit Azerbaijan and participate in the World Urban Forum in Baku next year.
Read the original article on African Union.
AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.
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