Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has issued a strong and urgent appeal for reform of the United Nations Security Council, underscoring Africa’s longstanding demand for permanent representation. Speaking during the Sixth Summit of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government (C-10), held virtually on Friday, President Bio emphasized that Africa’s exclusion from the Council is no longer acceptable.
“As a continent historically excluded from the highest decision-making body on global peace and security, our call is not for charity but for fairness,” said President Bio. “Africa will no longer accept marginalization. The time to act is now.”
President Bio, who serves as Coordinator of the C-10, led the summit, which brought together African leaders committed to advancing the Common African Position on UN Security Council reform. The C-10 was established by the African Union to advocate for Africa’s representation in the Council, guided by the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
Recapping developments since the Fifth C-10 Summit in Equatorial Guinea in 2024, Bio highlighted the adoption of the Oyala Plan of Action and Sierra Leone’s leadership of the UN Security Council in August 2024, during which the first-ever high-level debate on Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership was held.
“These milestones are not symbolic gestures,” President Bio stated. “They are evidence that the world is beginning to listen.”
He also outlined the next phase of advocacy: the formal submission of the African Union Reform Model to the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) process. The AU model proposes at least two permanent seats with full rights—including veto power if retained—and two additional non-permanent seats for Africa.
President Bio pointed to growing global support for Africa’s position, referencing key developments such as the UN’s “Pact for the Future” and a direct ministerial dialogue with the Permanent Five (P5) members of the Security Council during the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
He urged African leaders to maintain unity and coherence as the continent prepares for a critical period of diplomacy in the lead-up to the 80th UN General Assembly and the 20th anniversary of the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration in September 2025.
“We must align our messaging, mobilize our allies, and continue to press for Africa’s rightful place in global governance,” he asserted. “Our inclusion will not only correct historical injustice—it will strengthen the legitimacy and effectiveness of the UN Security Council.”
The virtual summit concluded with renewed commitment from C-10 member states to intensify diplomatic engagement and ensure Africa remains a central voice in shaping the future of global peace and security.
The C-10 includes Algeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Libya, Namibia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Zambia—countries entrusted by the African Union to champion the reform agenda on behalf of the continent.
Courtesy: State House Media and Communications Unit. Republic of Sierra Leone
