By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
President Julius Maada Bio has called for Reforms during a debate at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on issues around maintaining International Peace and Security, addressing Historical Injustices, and enhancing Africa’s Effective Representation.
Addressing Council members on the 12th of August 2024, President Bio recalled that nearly 80 years after its creation, the Council has been stuck in time and that “the imperative for reform is irrefutable.”
He said he was honoured “to address the UNSC with a profound sense of purpose and urgency on a matter of grave importance — the maintenance of international peace and security - through the reform of the UN Security Council.”
“I wholeheartedly welcome the participation of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on UN Security Council Reform (C-10) and their representatives in this meeting,” he said.
President Bio said he was speaking as a representative of a continent that has long been under-represented in the decision-making processes that shape the world on matters of peace and security.
“Its imbalanced composition is at odds with current realities and unjust, undermining its legitimacy and effectiveness. Africa remains the unquestionable victim. With the absence of structural change, the Security Council’s performance and legitimacy remain questionable,” said Bio.
As he reflected on the debate's theme and profound implications, he stated that it is essential to recognize how historical injustice has significantly hindered Africa's ability to contribute effectively to global governance.
He pointed out that the legacy of colonialism, economic exploitation, and political marginalization has left deep scars on the continent, that have affected its development, stability, and influence in international affairs.
President Bio pointed out that the UN, the cornerstone of international cooperation, was founded on principles of equality, justice, and the collective pursuit of peace. But yet, he said the current structure of the Security Council reflects an outdated world order, an era that fails to recognize Africa's growing importance and contributions.
He stated that despite being home to over 1.3 billion people, and the 54 African countries making up 28 percent of the total membership of the UN, with significant contributions to peacekeeping and conflict resolution, Africa remains grossly underrepresented in this vital organ of the UN.
“This underrepresentation is not merely an anomaly of statistics; it is a profound historical injustice that must be addressed. As a consequence, and under the leadership of the C-10, Africa has been steadfast in its commitment to rectifying this injustice and imbalance of the UN Security Council,” he said.
As the Coordinator of the C-10, Bio said that Sierra Leone has spearheaded efforts to amplify Africa's voice on this issue.
Through the Common African Position as espoused in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, he stated that Africa has articulated a clear and compelling vision and model for reform, one that ensures equitable representation and meaningful participation of Africa in the Council.
Sierra Leone returned to the UN Security Council in January 2024 after 53 years since its previous and first tenure.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (16/08/24)
