[The Continent] What are Global North Nations' Interests in SPECPOL and Ethiopia’s Relentless Dam Success?

On Friday’s afternoon session of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, tensions broke out as the United Kingdom delegation was questioned on its interests and legitimacy in the committee. 

In a discussion surrounding the nationalization of natural resources, the strengthening of national infrastructure, and foreign investment reliance, the latter point was brought up by Ethiopia, which signalled the idyllic nature of idealizing renewable energy infrastructure without foreign investment. A feat that was previously not possible due to financial constraints, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam being an exception to this rule. This show of national economic sovereignty is far from dismissed in session talks, given its important precedence-setting nature and proud constant reminder by the delegation.

Following this conversation on foreign investment, the delegation of Egypt questioned what the United Kingdom hopes to gain from these discussions. Inferring to their position within the committee as one of the only non-African nations, and prior extractivism history in the region. The UK delegate emphasized their regret over their nation's past, and highlighted how more cohesive interdependence between African nations would facilitate better negotiations with foreign nations, such as themselves. One of their comments underscored a belief that Global North intervention is necessary to successfully tackle corruption on the African continent, some nations present visibly disagreeing. Although the tensions blew over after some diplomatic conversations, the question is ever-present and forefront in African nations' minds. The Continent has been interviewing delegates on this and other pressing topics; a video report is coming soon.