Sierra Leone’s President Maada Bio has called for the reform of the UN Security Council.
The President made the call in his capacity as chairman of the UN Security Council for the month of August.
AMIN KEF REPORTS :
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*_‼️President Bio Calls for Urgent Reform at the UN Security Council to Address Historical Injustice Against Africa_*
www.thecalabashnewspaper.com
*_By Amin Kef (Ranger)_*
In a powerful address at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate on the maintenance of international peace and security, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone on Monday August 12, 2024, made a compelling case for the urgent reform of the UNSC to rectify the historical injustices that have long marginalized Africa at United Nations Headquarters, New York.
President Bio emphasized the need to enhance Africa’s representation within the UNSC, highlighting the current imbalance in the Council’s composition, which has remained unchanged for nearly 80 years. He pointed out that the lack of permanent African representation undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of the UNSC, especially given Africa’s significant contributions to peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts worldwide.
“Africa remains the unquestionable victim of this historical injustice,” President Bio stated. “Despite being home to over 1.3 billion people, and with 54 African countries making up 28% of the UN’s total membership, Africa continues to be grossly underrepresented in this vital organ of the UN.”
President Bio called for two permanent seats and two additional non-permanent seats for Africa on the UNSC, stressing that if the veto power is retained, it must be extended to all new permanent members, including those from Africa. He underscored that Africa’s demand for reform is rooted in the imperative of addressing the continent’s unique challenges and aspirations, which are often overlooked in global decision-making processes.
“The current structure of the Security Council reflects an outdated world order, an era that fails to recognize Africa’s growing importance and contributions,” he said. “Africa’s underrepresentation is not merely an anomaly of statistics; it is a profound historical injustice that must be addressed.”
President Bio also highlighted the work of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on UN Security Council Reform (C-10), which has been at the forefront of advocating for Africa’s equitable representation. As the Coordinator of the C-10, Sierra Leone has played a pivotal role in amplifying Africa’s voice on this issue, championing the Common African Position as outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
In closing, President Bio urged the international community to act swiftly, stating, “The time for change is now. Africa’s voice must be heard, and its demands for justice and equity must be met. The UN has an opportunity to forge a more just and inclusive world order, one that honors the dignity and aspirations of all nations.”
The President’s address was met with strong support from African leaders and representatives from various Member States, further solidifying the call for meaningful reform of the UNSC to reflect the realities of today’s global geopolitical landscape.
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