By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone, April 25, 2025—President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reiterated Africa’s unified call for equitable representation on the United Nations Security Council, describing the current lack of representation as a “profound historical injustice.” Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Retreat of Permanent Representatives of C-10 Member States at the State House in Freetown, President Bio underscored the importance of reform and highlighted Africa’s growing influence in global peace and security governance.
“This Retreat is not merely administrative,” President Bio remarked. “It is a moment of reflection, unity, and renewed commitment to a cause that is not only African but truly global.”
As the Coordinator of the C-10, a group of African nations advocating for Security Council reform, President Bio spotlighted key diplomatic achievements over the past year. These include Sierra Leone’s presidency of the UN Security Council in August 2024, during which Africa’s under-representation was debated for the first time, and subsequent backing from the United States for Africa to secure two permanent seats (without veto) under the Pact for the Future framework.
“Recognition is welcome,” he emphasized, “but it must lead to tangible outcomes.”
Strategic Focus
The Retreat, scheduled for April 25–26, is aimed at developing key documents to guide Africa’s advocacy for reform:
- An AU Model for a Reformed Security Council,
- A Strategic Roadmap, and
- An Aide-Mémoire for global engagement.
President Bio noted that these tools would provide the C-10 with “greater coherence and persuasiveness” in the next phase of its reform efforts.
He outlined five critical imperatives to guide the discussions and actions of delegates, including:
- Internal unity among African nations,
- Targeted diplomacy with global partners,
- Clear messaging,
- Unwavering demands based on the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, and
- Sustained high-level engagement with international stakeholders.
President Bio stressed that Africa must secure at least two permanent seats with full voting rights, including the veto if retained, and at least five non-permanent seats to reflect the continent’s population size and growing geopolitical importance.
“A Council stuck in the paradigms of 1945 cannot address the crises of today,” he declared, urging ambassadors to amplify Africa’s voice globally.
The “Freetown Roadmap”
President Bio proposed naming the Retreat’s outputs the “Freetown Roadmap,” a technical and political guide that will serve as Africa’s blueprint for achieving meaningful Security Council reform.
The President reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to the cause and commended the efforts of the C-10, the African Union Commission, and other partners in advancing Africa’s objectives.
“This Retreat marks a defining chapter in our pursuit of a reformed, just, and inclusive UN Security Council,” President Bio concluded.
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