Finally, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has come to its own sense, and reversed all-together its earlier decision taken in 2008 to establish an award of US$3 million endowment from Equatorial Guinea’s president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, whose government is widely accused of corruption and gross human rights violations.
UNESCO’s decision comes after a public outcry and a torrent of criticism from civil society groups, and prominent African figures (including Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Graça Machel, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and author, Chinua Achebe) calling for the cancellation of the “UNESCO-Obiang Nguema Mbasogo Prize for Research in the Life Sciences.”
The disputed award not only has thrown UNESCO into disarray, but also split UNESCO member states into two opposing camps, with African countries in favor of the award. The African Union is also reported of approving the award. No surprise there, but the knowledge that UNESCO, a reputable organization, agreed in the first place to establish this award, is beyond me! What does it say about UNESCO in general? Has this organization become that out of touch with reality on the ground that they cannot separate credible Africans who deserve to be honored with this kind of awards?
There is no doubt in my mind that Obiang was tying to use this award to renew and rebrand his government’s tarnished image. Apparently, the Obiang government not only was trying to use UNESCO, but also is reported of contracting high-powered U.S. public relations consultants, including a former adviser to former U.S. president Bill Clinton.
