Uganda: The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a group of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc, held its 19th summit in Kampala, Uganda, from January 15 to 21, 2024. The summit was attended by 90 representatives, including 30 heads of state and government, from various regions of the world.
The summit focused on the theme of “Building a peaceful and prosperous world through dialogue and solidarity”. The participants discussed various issues of global concern, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, human rights, terrorism, disarmament, and multilateralism.
One of the most prominent topics of the summit was the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which erupted on January 3, 2024, after a series of rocket attacks and airstrikes. The NAM strongly condemned Israel’s military operation, which it termed as “invalid” and “a flagrant violation of international law and human rights”. The NAM expressed its solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate right to self-determination and statehood.
The NAM stated at the end of the summit, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza. The statement also urged the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to the affected population and to support the reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure. The NAM reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. The NAM also demanded the full and equal membership of Palestine in the United Nations and its specialized agencies.
The NAM summit was seen as a platform for developing countries to voice their common interests and aspirations in the face of the challenges posed by the dominant powers. The NAM also reiterated its commitment to uphold the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and peaceful coexistence among nations. The NAM expressed its hope that the summit would contribute to the promotion of peace, security, and cooperation in the world.
