Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has hailed the recent announcement by the United States in support of two permanent seats for Africa on the United Nations Security Council.
The announcement, made by U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, marks a significant shift in U.S. policy and aligns with Africa’s long-standing demand for greater representation on the world body.
President Bio, who serves as the Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the UN Security Council (C-10), expressed his approval, stating, “This is a major shift from the United States’ initial stance and a key milestone for Africa’s position on UN reform.”
His comments followed Sierra Leone’s presidency of the Security Council in August, during which he chaired a debate addressing Africa’s historical underrepresentation in the Council.
The U.S. decision to back African permanent seats, however, does not extend veto powers to the new members, a point President Bio noted would require further discussion.
“I look forward to continued engagement on the question of veto powers to fully rectify this historical injustice,” he said, urging other permanent members of the Council to support Africa’s cause.
The reform of the Security Council, which currently includes five permanent members with veto power, remains a contentious issue, as several countries, including Japan, Brazil, India, and Germany, have also lobbied for permanent seats. Nonetheless, President Bio’s leadership on this issue, combined with the U.S. announcement, represents a significant moment for Africa’s efforts to secure a more equitable voice on the global stage.
Africa, with its 53 member states in the UN and hosting the majority of UN peacekeeping missions, has long argued for permanent representation on the Council, citing its population size and economic significance.
As President Bio continues to champion this cause, the world watches closely to see how this new development will shape the future of the UN Security Council.
