By Sulaiman Mansaray
At the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, President Julius Maada Bio reiterated his call for urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing the need to address historical injustices, particularly Africa’s underrepresentation.
In his address, President Bio congratulated Philemon Yang, the newly elected President of the 79th UNGA, and extended his gratitude to outgoing President Dennis Francis for his leadership during the previous session. He also recognized Secretary-General António Guterres for his global efforts in promoting peace.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s turbulent history, Bio recalled the civil war that ravaged the country over three decades ago, leading to the loss of over 50,000 lives and the displacement of millions. He highlighted the role of dialogue, international support, and the efforts of the UN and ECOWAS in Sierra Leone’s path to peace.
During his address, President Bio stressed that the current structure of the Security Council is outdated and ineffective. He described the UNSC as an institution that has not evolved with global realities, stating, “The Security Council, nearly 80 years after its creation, has been stuck in time. Its imbalanced composition is unjust and at odds with current realities.”
Bio highlighted Africa’s marginalization in the Council’s decision-making processes, despite being one of the regions most affected by global conflicts. As the Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) on Security Council Reform, he reiterated Africa’s demand for two permanent seats with veto rights and two additional non-permanent seats, based on the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. “Africa’s voice must be heard, and its demands for justice and equity must be met now,” Bio asserted.
He further emphasized Sierra Leone’s ongoing commitment to promoting peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel region. Bio called on the international community to back African-led peace initiatives, stressing the importance of inclusive political processes and respect for human rights to achieve sustainable peace.
“Despite the hard-won peace, we remain vigilant in safeguarding it,” Bio said, pointing to the fragility of peace in Sierra Leone and globally. He urged a collective international response to conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan, and Eastern Europe, calling for immediate ceasefires to prevent further loss of life.
President Bio’s speech underscored Sierra Leone’s leadership on the global stage, particularly as it holds a non-permanent seat on the UNSC since January 2024. With Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024-2030, the president outlined his government’s commitment to socio-economic development, human rights, and gender equality. He announced plans for the proposed “Freetown Treaty,” aimed at enhancing access to justice for survivors of sexual violence.
In closing, Bio stressed the importance of multilateralism and global cooperation, stating, “As leaders, we must cooperate to achieve the purposes of this United Nations and deliver peace, security, stability, and prosperity for our people.” He urged immediate action to ensure no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development. “The time for half-measures is over. Africa’s voice must be heard,” he declared.
President Bio’s remarks aligned with the overarching theme of the Assembly, calling for collective efforts to tackle contemporary global challenges and build a more equitable world order.