20100601
africanews

West African nation Nigeria is backing France for a reformation of the United Nations Security Council to include Africa as a permanent member. Sarkozy said, "the UN Security Council must be reformed and Africa must have permanent member representation."

“This Summit shall take position and step forward to achieve this,” the French leader noted at the France-Africa Summit.

About 57 leaders are attending with special attention on security situation in Africa.

Jonathan drew global attention to the need for Africa's permanent representation through Nigeria in the Council. He said Africa’s populous country has played crucial roles in peacekeeping operations globally and it would be a reward to Nigeria to have a permanent seat in the Security Council.

According to the Vanguard, the French leader said it was long overdue for Africa to take its rightful position in world governance and called on world leaders to wake up to the reality.

Sarkozy said: "There should be no hypocrisy; we can no longer manage the 21st century all alone. Africa is our future and the continent must no longer be excluded. It is no longer possible to address major world issues without the presence of Africa. Our destiny is inseparable.

"The failure of Africa will be the tragedy of Europe and it must be noted that it is only 12 kilometres that separate our shores. The resources of Africa will be the major sustenance for the world in the decades to come."