Mission in Central America

The second part of the memoirs of one of Belgium's most prominent former ambassadors. The idea of ​​writing down the further course of my diplomatic career came to me after finishing my first book about my stay as regional administrator and district commissioner in Belgian colonial Africa. The appointment as ambassador in the most important part of Central America after my diplomatic functions in Vienna and Ankara gave a new turn to my life. In Panama there was a freshwater canal that connected the two most important oceans of our planet. In Costa Rica I would have the opportunity to discover a superdemocracy - the only one in Latin America - where the army had been abolished. Nicaragua, the third country in my area of ​​responsibility, was also considering digging a canal at sea level. I found that a fantastic prospect and it stimulated my imagination. The more than three years that I spent as ambassador on this part of the isthmus were the most beautiful and instructive of my life and I look back on them with great satisfaction. Not only because they opened up a new world for me, but also because I discovered the diversity of these countries. In addition, several events took place that marked a turning point in the history of these countries and that would also have international repercussions. The meeting of the United Nations Security Council outside its American headquarters in Panama was one of the most striking events. After all, it was of crucial importance for international maritime traffic between the two largest oceans on our planet. As the official representative of our country in these debates, our contribution to the positive solution that emerged was the most important experience of my diplomatic career. Finally, in December 1973, an earthquake devastated the Nicaraguan capital of Managua, killing an estimated 15,000 people. The delivery of a hundred wooden houses to victims in Reparto Belgica, a suburb of Managua, was extremely appreciated and I was able to complete the mission successfully before I left Central America for good. Victor-Clement Nijs