2. Newslinks to recent articles

* Africa gets seats in the UN, but not power
http://www.amsterdamnews.com/News/article/article.asp?NewsID=3716
&sID=12
Africa is scheduled to receive two new permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council as part of a historic process of U.N. reform, but veto power won't come with the seats.
* Into Africa
http://www.washingtontimes.com/op-ed/20050204-090252-9196r.htm
A recent African Union (AU) summit highlighted shortcomings of governance, producing a lofty-sounding communique that is far removed from the everyday troubles of most Africans, says the Washington Times.
* AU starts to flex its muscles
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?art_id=vn20050106061822370C368824
The right to intervene in each other's affairs is one of the most important reasons the AU is now a body to be counted on in conflict resolution on the continent.
* AU to send peace mission to Somalia
http://iafrica.com/news/worldnews/411708.htm
The African Union (AU) has authorised an east African body to deploy troops to help the new Somali government, exiled in Kenya, relocate to its war-shattered country, an official statement said on Tuesday.
* Can Africa solve African problems?
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0104/p07s01-woaf.html
For 2005, one theme stands out: Africa tackling its problems without much outside help.
* The African union moves a quiet revolution
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0207/p09s02-coop.html
The continent is finally heeding the call by South African President Thabo Mbeki for an African "renaissance," including finding African solutions to African problems.