Museveni said that Africa is regenerating and “emerging from the long night of decline” and its countries are becoming “more credible partners with any serious actors beyond our shores.”

The Ugandan leader noted that the continent is emerging from centuries of colonialism with a purchasing power of $2.5 billion that is growing at an annual rate of 3.2 per cent.

He said Uganda needs and would welcome “investments, trade access, tourists” and security partnerships approved by the African Union from partners, many of whom are UN Member States.

While at the podium,  Museveni also lashed out at “pseudo and bankrupt” sectarian ideology of religion, tribalism and chauvinism that has fuelled most of African conflicts and is now causing havoc in the Middle East and North Africa.

“Only parasites revel is such schemes,”  Museveni said. “This pseudo-ideology should be banished and treated with the contempt it deserves.”

In his address on behalf of Mauritania, President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz also highlighted the many dangers resulting from “the multiplication of hotbeds of tension, terrorism, organized crime and trafficking of drugs, arms and people.”

Despite the establishment of mechanisms by the regional peace and security system, the fight against terrorism remains an international responsibility which calls for a close collaboration.

The sudden outbreak of Ebola constitutes another major challenge which needs collective, international action, he noted.

“The international community is invited to join Africans in their hopes and legitimate aspirations for peace, security and sustainable development,” the President said, also making a case for reform of the UN Security Council to include permanent representation of the continent.

He noted that unlike in 2000, when the Millennium Development Goals were adopted, Africa now “speaks with one voice, seeks to create development to become a healthy area free of scourges, wars and conflicts, and where justice, good governance and respect for human rights prevail.”

Some 196 speakers are expected at this year’s annual debate. Meeting on the theme of “Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda,” the speakers include representatives from the 193 UN Member States, as well as the Observer State of the Holy See, the Observer State of Palestine and the delegation of the European Union.

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, addresses the general debate of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak