By Foday Moriba Conteh
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, on the 24th November, 2023 in Equatorial Guinea, wrapped up a pivotal Consultative Summit of the African Union (AU) in his role as the Coordinator of the AU Committee of Ten (C-10) Heads of State and Government focused on United Nations Security Council reform.
Hosted by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, this fifth summit primarily assessed the Committee’s eighteen-year endeavor, acknowledging significant strides in garnering support for the Common African Position (CAP) outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
President Bio underscored the Summit’s purpose, emphasizing the review of progress made in advocating for the Common African Position. He highlighted the strategies to bolster existing support while seeking pathways to engage with divergent viewpoints outside the CAP.
Referencing recommendations from the January 2023 Ministerial meeting in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, President Bio emphasized the need for ‘enhanced engagement’ in the intergovernmental negotiations framework on Security Council reform. He stressed the wider recognition and backing from Member States for Africa’s rightful global role and rectifying historical injustices.
Under President Bio’s chairmanship, the closed session concluded with the issuance of the Oyala Consultative Summit Communiqué. The document reaffirmed the CAP as the sole viable option to address the historical injustice faced by Africa. It outlined strategies for increased engagement to advance the CAP, urging the acknowledgment of Africa’s underrepresentation in the UN Security Council’s permanent and non-permanent categories.
The Communiqué emphasized heightened engagement with the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, highlighting the C-10 Heads of State’s commitment to continued outreach to them.
President Bio’s leadership during this Summit signals Africa’s unified stance in advocating for equitable representation in the UN Security Council, striving for a more inclusive and just global governance framework.
