As global tributes continue to commemorate the death of Kofi Annan, seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, we reflect on the legacy that he left behind.
During his ten years as Secretary-General (1997-2006), various conflicts and challenges to the world persisted. But so too did the perpetual calm and infectious optimism that characterised Annan. As many of his colleagues have recounted, he was renowned as a man devoid of anger. But it was his ability to project this unflappable persona on the world stage that was cited as his great strength.
And as the first black African to head the organisation, this strength of character transpired into many achievements. His effective diplomacy, astute negotiating and intelligent strategising was particularly celebrated in 2001 when Annan and the UN were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize as co-recipients. Under his tenure, human rights and development were put at the forefront of all UN work. This was reflected in the launching of new initiatives such as the Millennium Development Goals. This important initiative aided in promoting and achieving better health, education and welfare in many countries around the world. So much so, that it was succeeded by the even more ambitious Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, the establishment of the International Criminal Court for the prosecution of war criminals during the wars in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia is another telling example of Annan’s resolute human rights focus.
As the first UN employee to successfully rise through the bureaucracy of the UN to the position of Secretary-General, he was well acquainted with the challenges the institution faced. Much like any large-scale bureaucratic organisation, it has long faced structural and management challenges. However, the UN under Annan reduced staff, streamlined its operations and enhanced its use of information and communications technology. This was particularly telling in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations which experienced growth, but by 150 posts less than what an external management consultant team said was necessary.
But rigid bureaucracy was not the only challenge the Annan faced when taking his position. Other challenges included tense and oftentimes hostile relations with key member states, an inability to fulfil central peacekeeping functions and a trying budgetary situation. By the end of his term, things were looking more positive. He had contributed to the restoration of good relations with important states, the UN had a sound economic position, and the aforesaid Nobel Peace Prize continues to speak volumes on the achievement of fundamental human rights objectives.
However, the same perpetual calm that has garnered much commendation has also engendered much criticism. Prior to becoming Secretary-General in 1997, Annan served as the head of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations where his aloofness became his defining weakness. Many, such as former force commander of the UN Assistance Mission for Rwanda, Romeo Dallaire, claimed that Annan was overly passive in his response to the imminent genocide. They claimed that he failed to provide responses to requests for a greater weapon depository to help defend the endangered Tutsis and as a result, not enough was done to prevent the death of an estimated 800,000 people in Rwanda. Therefore, it was on Annan’s watch that the UN’s reputation was tarnished by two of its worst stains; the genocides that occurred in Yugoslavia and Rwanda.
Nevertheless, Annan’s life and work will, and deserves to be, celebrated for a long time to come. Even after retirement, Annan continued to work for the UN, including as Special Envoy on the Syrian Crisis and Chair of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, Myanmar. He also established the Kofi Annan Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit that works to promote better global governance and strengthen the capacities of people and countries to achieve a fairer, more peaceful world.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan used his platform to effect meaningful change in the international community. His term was by no means perfect. But when running a complex international institution such as the UN, perfection becomes pushed aside by the far more inevitable reality – compromise. Despite this, Annan’s was a life well lived, and his legacy will indeed live on.
