Elham Asaad Buaras
A UN representative has sensationally stepped down from his role, issuing a stark warning that the organisation is “preparing for possible nuclear weapon use” while accusing senior figures of serving hidden interests rather than the institution itself.
Mohamad Safa, who has represented the Patriotic Vision Association (PVA) at the UN for more than a decade, announced on March 28 that he was suspending all duties with immediate effect after nearly 12 years of involvement across multiple UN bodies. Safa serves as the PVA’s main representative to the UN Economic and Social Council, where the NGO holds consultative status, and has taken part in committees and diplomatic initiatives on human rights, development and international cooperation since around 2014. His professional background spans more than 15 years in diplomacy and humanitarian work.
In a dramatic statement posted on X, Safa wrote, “After much reflection, and after it became clear to me that some UN seniors are serving a powerful lobby and not the UN, I have decided to suspend all my duties as PVA Main Representative at the UN and from all UN committees/groups of which I am a member.”
But it was his next claim that raised alarm about global security:
“I cannot in good conscience be part of or witness to what is happening at a time when the UN is preparing for possible nuclear weapon use.”
His reference to “possible nuclear weapon use” has since sparked confusion and concern. There is no evidence that the UN itself possesses or deploys nuclear weapons; his remarks are instead widely understood to point to contingency planning for a potential nuclear incident amid heightened geopolitical tensions in 2025–2026. In recent years, UN agencies have repeatedly warned of escalating nuclear risks and stressed the need for preparedness in the event of a global crisis.
Safa also levelled serious accusations at senior UN figures, claiming they were “serving a powerful lobby”. While he did not name specific actors, concerns about political influence within the organisation have been raised before by insiders.
Former UN war crimes prosecutor Carla Del Ponte, for instance, resigned from a UN commission investigating Syria on August 7, 2017, expressing deep frustration at the lack of action. “It is unbelievable… nothing happens. It’s a disgrace for the international community and particularly for the Security Council,” she said at the time.
In a later interview in June 2018, she added, “The United Nations is a great disappointment for me… There is a lot of talk… only a few really work. We have fallen very low, human rights no longer apply.”
Del Ponte also alleged political pressure from major powers during her investigations, revealing that she had been warned to “be careful” when pursuing cases involving US-backed forces.
Feature photo: Mohamad Safa, who has the PVA at the UN for more than a decade, announced on March 28 that he was suspending all duties with immediate effect. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
