by Ronald Ssekandi

KAMPALA, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- A group of African countries representing the continent in negotiations to reform the UN Security Council, on Thursday described the talks as long and winding with some developed countries bent on maintaining the status quo.

The Committee of 10 (also known as C-10), bringing together Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of the Congo, Namibia, Zambia, Libya, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Uganda is meeting here to review its progress.

David John Francis, foreign affairs minister of Sierra Leone, the coordinator of the C-10, said despite all detractors, Africa is stuck to advancing its position of having two permanent representatives at the Security Council and an additional two Africans states as non-permanent representatives.

Francis told the meeting attended by host, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni that over 70 percent of the issues discussed at the Security Council are about Africa and yet the continent is not represented.

"We are on the quest for justice, our resolve has been tested and we have remained resolute and resilient," Francis said, urging all African countries to speak with one voice and stay committed to the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

The two agreements are pushing for Africa's common position which is having two permanent representatives and two other non-permanent representatives at the Security Council.

Bankole Adeoye, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security said the Kampala meeting provides a window to renew the continent's push to accelerate the process of reforming the UN Security Council.

Adeoye told the meeting that the AU is pushing for a genuine partnership that demonstrates a belief in multilateralism, particularly the UN.

"Africa must stay the course, Africa must not relent in the long-drawn process of reforming this intergovernmental body," Adeoye said.

President Museveni said the world should not see Africa's push for reforms at the Security Council as a favor but a right. The Ugandan leader said Africa must have permanent members at the Security Council to ensure its interests are catered for.

Museveni said the UN in its current form does not represent the current realities but rather shortly after World War II times.

"We must be in that Security Council to ensure that it is not used negatively against Africa," he said.

He said because the Security Council went against the wishes of the African Union, Libya was invaded by foreign forces and this explains the current security lapse in the Sahel region. He said many countries in that part of Africa are facing conflicts because of the collapse of Libya. Enditem

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