Uganda Hosts Committee of Ten ahead of 9th Ministerial Meeting of African Union Security Council

The State Minister for Foreign Affairs in Charge of International Affairs, Hon Henry Okello Oryem has Wednesday welcomed delegations from different countries to the Committee of Ten, at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The meeting is taking place ahead of the 9^th Ministerial Meeting of the African Union on the reform of the nations security council session slated for tomorrow Thursday.   

Oryem thanked the Coordinator, Sierra Leone for steering the work of the C-10 especially in this difficult time of the COVID19 pandemic, and assured the delegations of Uganda’s unwavering support.

He noted that the meeting should have taken place last year but due to the pandemic, it was not possible to do so.  

“Given the critical importance of the reform of the Security Council, and the need to update our Heads of State and Government of the African Union on the recent dynamics within the intergovernmental negotiations at the United Nations, it was decided that we have this in-person engagement at this time, notwithstanding the threat posed by the COVID19 pandemic. On this note, I commend the C10 Permanent Representatives in New York for the work you have undertaken in promoting the Common African Position in the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) at the United Nations” said Oryem.  

He explained that time and again, Africa has reiterated that the relevance, legitimacy, and moral authority of the United Nations will never remain undermined without a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council and this remains true. Adding that four decades have elapsed since Security Council reform first appeared on the UN General Assembly agenda, even as the geo‑political landscape transformed, but without much progress. 

According to Oryem, while the agreement is still far from being attained, intergovernmental negotiations are the most appropriate way to advance progress and the nations should therefore welcome the efforts of the current Co-Chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the reform of the Security Council at the UN, who have indicated that they are ready to convene the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on 8^th February 2022. During that session, member states are being called upon to reflect and share their views on the IGN process.

“We should also remember that reform of the UN Security Council, is an integral part of our broader efforts to transform the United Nations into a more effective, representative, and democratic global institution. I urge this meeting to reflect on the recent dynamics within the IGN and make appropriate and actionable recommendations, which will advance progress in UN Security Council reform, in line with the common African Position” he said.

The Minister further noted that it is critical, therefore, that the C10 and the African Group as a whole continue to speak with one voice and keep focused on achieving the goal of the Common African Position. 

“I wish to reiterate that Uganda’s support and commitment to reform as espoused in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration is unwavering, as it is the only viable option to redress the historical injustice done to the African Continent.  As such, Africa should remain cohesive and continue to speak with one voice in the unity of purpose on all aspects of the reform process. As I conclude, I encourage you to find time during your stay in Uganda to see a little more beyond the boundaries of Munyonyo, what the country has to offer” Oryem said.