By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has renewed his call for Africa’s inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and urged stronger collaboration between the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS to advance the continent’s peace and security agenda.
He made that call during the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, held on Friday, 24th October 2025, at President Julius Maada Bio Parade Grounds, Wilberforce in Freetown. The event was jointly organized by the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations Country Team.
“When the United Nations and ECOWAS work hand in hand, the cause of peace in West Africa advances and Sierra Leone stands ready to lead, to listen and to build bridges of understanding across our region,” President Bio stated.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s post-war transformation, he acknowledged the UN’s crucial role during the civil conflict, recalling how the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) disarmed 75,000 combatants and restored peace. “Today, Sierra Leone is no longer a recipient of peace; we are a giver of peace. Our men and women in uniform now serve proudly in UN peacekeeping missions, carrying the lessons of our own journey to nations in need,” he emphasized.
Highlighting his administration’s Big Five Game-Changer priorities, President Bio reiterated that these policies aim to improve citizens’ lives. He cited the Feed Salone Programme, which empowers farmers to achieve food self-sufficiency and the Free Quality School Education initiative, designed to ensure that no child is left behind due to poverty or geography.
He further underscored his Government’s partnership with UN agencies in strengthening healthcare, immunization and maternal services. “Our investments in health ensure that no mother dies while giving life and no child suffers from preventable diseases,” he said.
On renewable energy, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding access nationwide. “Across the nation, we are lighting up homes, schools and clinics because energy is life and light is dignity,” he added.
As Chair of the ECOWAS Authority and Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten on UN Security Council Reform (C-10), President Bio reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s leadership in promoting peace, constitutional governance and Africa’s reform agenda at the global stage.
“When we raise the UN flag beside our national flag today, we affirm both sovereignty and solidarity. Our flags flying together remind us that Sierra Leone’s destiny is bound with the world’s destiny,” he declared.
He concluded by paying tribute to UN peacekeepers and humanitarian workers who lost their lives in the service of peace, including Sierra Leoneans who served under the UN flag.
UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Ms. Seraphine Wakana, in her remarks, said the 80th anniversary of the UN also marked 64 years of partnership between Sierra Leone and the global body; a collaboration that has strengthened peace, education, healthcare, gender equality, youth empowerment and livelihoods.
“This partnership has transformed lives and continues to reaffirm our shared commitment to sustainable development and human dignity,” Ms. Wakana stated.
