By Amin Kef Sesay
President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone is poised to spearhead a significant debate on reforming the United Nations Security Council. This discussion is a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s agenda during its leadership of the Council, marking a notable moment in the country’s diplomatic history.
The debate, chaired by President Bio, is scheduled for August 12, 2024, in New York. Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timothy Musa Kabba, highlighted the importance of this event: “For the first time in 53 years, we are back in the Security Council. Today, we are assuming the Presidency of the Council. We will guide the work of the Security Council for the next 30 days, marking a very important milestone.”
Information Minister Chernor Bah expressed pride in this achievement, commending President Bio for his visionary leadership. “Today, we should all be proud as Sierra Leoneans for what we have achieved. We should also take time to thank President Bio for leading us to the global stage,” the Minister stated during a special Press Conference on August 1, 2024, to commemorate the event.
Sierra Leone’s presidency of the Security Council throughout August provides a platform to advocate for key issues, including the campaign for two permanent seats for Africa on the Council. Alan Logan, Deputy Director of Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that reforming the Council has been a major pillar of Sierra Leone’s campaign. “Sierra Leone is leading the Security Council reform on behalf of Africa. We are asking for two permanent seats and three non-permanent seats on the Council, making it five in total for Africa,” Allan Logan said. He added, “We are undertaking this advocacy considering the historical injustice that the continent has faced.”
As a prominent leader in the C-10, a coalition of African leaders advocating for Security Council reform, Sierra Leone plans to bring this crucial debate to the forefront and invite C-10 members to participate. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francess Alghali, revealed that Sierra Leone would also lead major advocacy efforts on issues related to peace, women and security. “We have a unique experience due to the rebel war. We know the role women played in achieving our peace, so we will focus on this, with special attention to young people,” Francess Alghali said, adding, “We will ask countries to bring forward recommendations on how they can support the women, peace and security agenda.”
A special session on women, peace and security is set for August 7, preceding the critical debate on Security Council reform. This month-long presidency represents a significant opportunity for Sierra Leone to champion pivotal global issues and advocate for the continent’s representation on the international stage.
