By Amin Kef (Ranger)
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has lauded the leadership of Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, in championing the call for reform of the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing the need for increased representation of Africa. In a bilateral meeting on Wednesday August 13, 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York, António Guterres commended President Bio’s pivotal role in steering the debate on Security Council reform, acknowledging the historical injustices that have marginalized the continent for decades.
“I want to congratulate you on the extraordinary success in yesterday’s debate. Your role and voice have been instrumental, particularly in addressing the challenges in the Sahel, and we deeply appreciate your efforts,” he said. He reiterated his commitment to rectifying the underrepresentation of Africa on the Security Council, a stance he has consistently upheld.
President Bio expressed his gratitude to the Secretary-General for his unwavering support, while urging the international community to take concrete action on their commitments. He highlighted the worsening security situation in the Sahel region, underscoring the need for sustained global attention and intervention.
“We, as a continent, admire your steadfastness not only because you have stood by us, but also because you have consistently spoken out against the injustices in the current structure of the Security Council. I remain committed to promoting peace and stability in the Sahel region,” President Bio affirmed.
This meeting comes on the heels of President Bio’s address to the Security Council on August 12, where he leveraged Sierra Leone’s presidency to advocate for more seats for Africa on the Council. “The time for half-measures and incremental progress is over. Africa must be heard and its demands for justice and equity must be met,” he asserted during the session.
President Bio’s call for reform is part of a broader African initiative seeking to secure two permanent seats with veto power and additional non-permanent seats on the Council. This initiative reflects Africa’s growing clout on the global stage, with its 1.3 billion people and 54 nations representing a significant portion of the UN’s membership.
The push for reform has gained momentum ahead of the upcoming UN “Summit of the Future” and the annual General Assembly, where leaders from around the world are expected to discuss the future of international cooperation, including Security Council reform.
“We are certain that it is only a matter of time before Africa’s rightful place is recognized. The gatekeepers will find it increasingly difficult to deny us,” President Bio remarked at a news briefing, reinforcing his determination to see Africa’s voice amplified on the world’s most powerful decision-making body.
