Africa has always been at the heart of the UN system, and is committed to the organisation's future growth and success, writes Ahmed Haggag* There is no exaggeration in stating that the United Nations played a pivotal role in the independence of many African countries. Most of Africa was colonised by the big powers of the 19th century during the famous Berlin Conference. The continent was divided into several spheres of influence -- and domination -- among France, Britain and Germany. Belgium, Portugal and Italy entered the scene after. When the League of the Nations was established after World War I, it did not include any independent African country. Only Abyssinia and Egypt were admitted later and colonial powers took it for granted that none of their colonies could become a member of the League. Likewise when the United Nations was established in 1945, only four "independent" African countries were among the founding members during the San Francisco conference: Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia and South Africa. The latter was governed by the apartheid white regime and could not have been said to be representing the majority of its inhabitants. However, the winds of change blew across the continent. The colonial powers could not expect to continue forever dominating other nations, especially after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948. Of course, dominant powers balked that the declaration contained reference to the right to self-determination by peoples around the world, but they could not uphold their objections forever. Two factors played an important role in this regard: first, the independent developing countries at the United Nations insisted that the organisation should be more affirmative in dealing with the question of colonies. Therefore, we could find that the agendas of the UN General Assembly, starting from the 1950s, did have many items about the right to self- determination of occupied territories. The Trusteeship Committee was established, the Council of Namibia was inaugurated, and later the issue of the apartheid regime of South Africa dominated discussions. The second element was the emergence of liberation movements in those territories that waged wars of liberation against the occupying powers. Their leaders used to go to the UN seeking support from the international organisation. The UN Security Council was slower than the General Assembly in these matters, since two big colonial powers, Britain and France, were permanent members of the Council and blocked any debate or decision made concerning these matters. The two countries were also supported by the United States due to the belief that granting independence to colonised territories would drive those "countries" to the Soviet bloc who was championing at that time the causes of liberation movements in its competition with the West. This asperity within the Secretary Council did not hinder the wave of independence with many countries in Africa admitted immediately to the United Nations in the 1950s and 1960s. All new countries declared from the very beginning their adherence to the UN Charter, and the African group at the UN used to play an important role in deliberations of the General Assembly, the different UN organs and committees, and also within numerous UN specialised agencies. Furthermore the United Nations entered in close cooperation with the African regional organisation, the Organisation of African Unity, which was established in 1963 and at present with the African Union. African countries are among those countries that contribute most of the soldiers of the UN peacekeeping operations. African commanders are usually chosen to lead such operations. Two prominent Africans became also UN secretaries-general: Boutrous Ghali, and at present Kofi Annan. Many Africans likewise were elected to lead specialised UN agencies, although many African countries are still rightly complaining that many high and important UN posts are not given to qualified Africans. Now the UN, on the 60th anniversary of its establishment, is being ushered into a new phase. The competition and rivalry amongst the two superpowers that characterised the work of the organisation from the 1950s to the late-1980s is over since the demise of the Soviet Union. It was replaced, however, by the dominance of one superpower, the United States. Africa is trying to keep the organisation independent, objective and vibrant, because this is in the interest of Africa itself. It is a difficult task, not only for Africa but also for the rest of the world. Africa feels grateful to the United Nations, since it, with other agencies, is in the forefront of assisting African countries with aid, technical assistance and sincere advice. The majority of UN budgets are directed to projects in Africa. The UN and its organs, especially the UNDP, have offices in almost every African country. Therefore Africa is very active in pursuit of reform of the United Nations as a whole, and not only enlargement of the Security Council. It has a stake to see a successful outcome to the UN summit this month, and for the organisation to become stronger and tuned to serve the majority of mankind, void of exploitation by any power. The United Nations, in spite of limitations, is still considered the symbol of international cooperation and solidarity. Africa, therefore, is proud of the UN and is determined to see that it will continue in its valuable work to the benefit of all peoples. * The writer is secretary general of the Africa Society, Cairo.
