SIERRA LEONE: “Africa’s Time Is Now”-President Bio Demands Permanent Seats at UN Security Council

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, used his country’s presidency of the UN Security Council to intensify the call for more African representation, including two permanent, potentially veto-wielding seats.

Bio emphasized that Africa “cannot wait any longer” for justice and equity, urging that “the time for half-measures and incremental progress is over.” He described Africa as the “unquestionable victim” of an outdated and imbalanced Security Council structure, highlighting the continent’s underrepresentation in the body created during a time when most of Africa was under European control.

Despite longstanding discussions on expanding the Council, differences over how and which countries should be included have stalled progress. With the upcoming UN “Summit of the Future” and General Assembly, Bio asserted, “Africa must be heard, and its demands for justice and equity must be met,” underscoring the urgency for structural changes that reflect Africa’s significance in global affairs.

Source: Africanews

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Chioma Ndukwu

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