Bio Demands Africa’s Priority in UN Security Council Reform and Global Ceasefire
New York, United States – September 24, 2024: In a powerful speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone called for urgent reforms to the UN Security Council, demanding Africa’s rightful representation in global decision-making. As the Coordinator of the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10) on Security Council Reform, President Bio advocated for two permanent seats with veto power and two additional non-permanent seats for Africa.
Criticizing the current structure as “outdated and unjust,” President Bio stressed that the lack of African representation undermines the Council’s legitimacy and effectiveness, especially as many global crises disproportionately impact Africa. He called for collective action to rectify this imbalance, emphasizing Africa’s critical role in peace and security.
President Bio also urged a global ceasefire, focusing on conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, while championing African-led peace efforts, especially in regions like the Sahel. His address reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s leadership on the global stage during its tenure on the UN Security Council.