By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has made a compelling call to the Chinese Government to support Africa’s quest for greater representation in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking at an event marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasized the need for reform within the UNSC to reflect Africa’s growing influence and participation in global governance.
During the event, held at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh extended heartfelt greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone to Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Government. He congratulated China on reaching this significant milestone and praised the longstanding relationship between the two nations. He stressed that both countries share a vision of a more just and equitable global order, where Africa is afforded a more prominent role in international decision-making processes.
The Vice President underscored the crucial importance of China’s support in helping Sierra Leone achieve its aspirations as a non-permanent member of the UNSC. He called on Beijing to assist President Julius Maada Bio in his efforts to realize this goal, pointing to Sierra Leone’s history of supporting China’s bid for a seat on the Council in 1974 as a testament to the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries.
“China and Sierra Leone have enjoyed decades of fruitful collaboration, and we look to China as a key partner in this effort,” Dr. Juldeh Jalloh stated, highlighting the strong diplomatic ties that have endured over the years. He further emphasized that Africa, with its increasing geopolitical importance, deserves a place in the UNSC’s permanent categories, adding that such representation would ensure that the voices of African nations are adequately heard in global security matters.
The Vice President’s remarks were made in the presence of various dignitaries, Ministers and representatives of the Chinese community in Sierra Leone. He took the opportunity to reaffirm Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening its diplomatic ties with China, a partnership that has yielded mutual benefits in areas such as trade, infrastructure and development cooperation.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh closed his address by expressing his gratitude for China’s ongoing support, particularly in areas of development assistance and emphasized the importance of continuing to build on the foundation of trust and collaboration that has existed between the two nations.
The Vice President’s appeal comes at a time when discussions on UNSC reform have gained renewed attention, with African countries increasingly pushing for enhanced representation to better reflect the continent’s growing role in international affairs.
