By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
As Sierra Leone takes its non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the 2024-2025 terms, President Julius Maada Bio has committed the country’s shared duty to uphold international peace and security.
He was making his statement during the General Debate of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level meeting with the theme; "Rebuild Trust and Reignite Global Solidarity" on the 20th September, 2023 in New York, USA.
The President noted that the profound nexus between peace, development and human rights will be the beacon guiding Sierra Leone’s priorities as the country stand poised, resolute and committed to forging a world where these ideals are not mere aspirations but enduring realities for all.
He reiterated that as Sierra Leone returns to the Security Council after a hiatus of 53 years, it does so with a profound awareness of its responsibility. He however stated that they view with deep concern the rising tides of insecurity and the subtle erosion of democratic governance and ideals in the West African sub-region and the Sahel.
“Beyond our previously mentioned priorities, the fortification of peace, the bolstering of democracy and the unwavering protection of human rights in the West African sub-regions and the Sahel are paramount on our agenda,” he said.
President Bio further noted that their goal remains to thwart the seeds of conflict before they sprout, to ensure sustainable resources for African Union-led peace operations, and to silence the guns decisively and forever in Africa. He said that they seek not just the absence of conflict but the presence of enduring harmony and justice for all.
He stated that Sierra Leone recognizes the pressing issue of the Security Council's legitimacy, equitable representation, and transparency. He said in a world reshaped by geopolitical realities, true global peace and security hinge upon the reform and rejuvenation of the UN Security Council and the General Assembly.
He expressed Sierra Leone’s commitment at the 2005 World Summit to “support early reform of the Security Council ─ an essential element of our overall effort to reform the United Nations ─ to make it more broadly representative, efficient and transparent and thus to enhance further its effectiveness and the legitimacy and implementation of its decisions".
The President went on to note that while the discourse has seen forward movement, the historical injustices endured by the African Continent remain unresolved at the intergovernmental negotiations.
He affirmed that Africa glaringly stands alone as the only region without permanent representation within the Security Council and is conspicuously underrepresented in its non-permanent category. He said the UN Security Council remains trapped in the era of 1945 when much of Africa was still in the regrettable grip of colonialism.
“We must not allow this colonial paradigm to persist three-quarters of a century later,” he said.
He concluded that Africa's demand for two Permanent seats, complete with commensurate rights, including the veto if maintained and five non-permanent seats are issues of equity, justice and right to have an equal say in decision-making on issues that affect the African region.
World leaders gather in New York for the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly to accelerate action on the 2030 Agenda of ending poverty in all forms and it Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and the sustainability for all.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (25/09/23)
