United Nations Headquarters, August 12, 2024 – In a powerful address to the United Nations Security Council, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has called for an urgent reform of the UN Security Council to rectify what he described as a “profound historical injustice” against Africa.
Speaking during the Council’s debate on the maintenance of international peace and security, President Bio underscored the pressing need for Africa’s enhanced representation in this critical global body.
“The UN Security Council, nearly 80 years after its creation, remains stuck in time,” President Bio asserted. “Its imbalanced composition is at odds with current realities and is unjust, undermining its legitimacy and effectiveness. Africa remains the unquestionable victim.”
President Bio highlighted the historical roots of Africa’s marginalization, tracing it back to the era of colonialism, economic exploitation, and political exclusion.
“The legacy of colonialism, economic exploitation, and political marginalization has left deep scars on the continent, affecting its development, stability, and influence in international affairs,” he stated.
Emphasizing Africa’s significant contributions to global peace and security, Bio argued that the continent’s underrepresentation in the Security Council is not just a statistical anomaly but a severe historical injustice.
“Despite being home to over 1.3 billion people, Africa remains grossly underrepresented in this vital organ of the UN. This underrepresentation must be addressed as a matter of justice.”
As the Coordinator of the African Union’s Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on UN Security Council Reform (C-10), President Bio reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to securing two permanent seats and two additional non-permanent seats on the Security Council.
“Africa demands two permanent seats in the UN Security Council and two additional non-permanent seats. The African Union will choose the African Permanent Members,” he declared.
Bio further articulated Africa’s position on the veto power, stating, “Africa wants the veto abolished. However, if UN Member States wish to retain the veto, it must be extended to all new Permanent Members as a matter of justice.”
President Bio also addressed the broader implications of Africa’s exclusion from global decision-making processes, stressing the need for a more inclusive and legitimate Security Council.
“The current architecture of international institutions, including the UN Security Council, reflects the geopolitical realities of the post-World War II era, which largely excluded African voices. This must change.”
Calling for immediate action, President Bio urged the UN to prioritize Africa’s concerns and ensure that the continent’s voice is heard in global governance.
“The time for change is now. The call for enhanced African representation in global governance structures, especially the UN Security Council, is not just a demand for justice and equity. It is a call for a more inclusive, effective, and legitimate international governance system.”
In conclusion, President Bio issued a stark warning against further delays in addressing Africa’s demands for justice and equity. “The time for half-measures and incremental progress is over. Africa’s voice must be heard, and its demands for justice and equity must be met. Now is the time for action. Africa cannot wait any longer.”
The address by President Bio has resonated with many Member States, adding momentum to the ongoing discussions on Security Council reform, with Africa’s case being increasingly viewed as a priority by the international community.
