By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
President Julius Maada Bio has committed that Sierra Leone will urgently address challenges and concerns related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and autonomy in weapons systems.
The President who was addressing delegates at the ECOWAS Regional Conference on the Peace and Security aspect of autonomous weapons systems on the 17th of April 2024 in Freetown noted that Sierra Leone is particularly delighted to host esteemed representatives from the ECOWAS region and beyond to discuss and develop a common approach towards a complex but extremely relevant and important challenge.
He said the initiative to address autonomous weapons systems was in response to the UN Secretary-General’s policy brief from July 2023, urging negotiations on this matter to be concluded by 2026. He stated that Sierra Leone has played a pivotal role in drafting UN General Assembly Resolution 78/241 on Autonomous Weapons which was adopted in December 2023.
“This conference underscores Sierra Leone’s active engagement in international forums and commitment to upholding agreements such as the Arms Trade Treaty. It aligns with Sierra Leone’s current role as an elected member in the Non-Permanent Category of the UN Security Council, providing a platform for our country to advocate for a rules-based world order to enhance global security,” he said.
President Bio told delegates that ECOWAS has been at the cutting edge of an integrated regional approach towards governance and security, and autonomous weapons systems are emerging as one of the most fundamental challenges that everyone must confront as part of the collective responsibility to safeguard global peace, security, and human dignity. He said that Autonomous Weapons Systems represent a significant advancement in technology, offering capabilities that were once in the realm of science fiction.
“However, with this advancement comes a range of complex ethical, legal, and security challenges that demand our urgent attention. As leaders in our respective nations, we must ensure that these technologies are developed and used in a manner that upholds the principles of international law, human rights, and humanitarian values,” he stated.
He urged everyone not to allow the allure of technological progress to blind them to the potential dangers posed by Autonomous Weapon Systems. He explained that the deployment of these weapons has the potential to fundamentally alter the nature of warfare, raising serious questions about accountability, oversight, and the protection of civilians.
The President is concerned that the prospect of machines making life-and-death decisions on the battlefield is deeply troubling and demands rigorous debate and careful consideration. He said the proliferation of Autonomous Weapons could lead to an escalation of conflicts as nations race to develop and deploy ever more advanced systems.
“This arms race mentality threatens to destabilize regions and undermine global security,” he said.
He pointed out that as a nation that has experienced the devastating impact of armed conflict; Sierra Leone understands the importance of fostering meaningful dialogue and cooperation to prevent the outbreak of violence. He said the government has worked tirelessly to rebuild the country in the aftermath of conflict and is committed to ensuring that future generations do not have to endure the horrors of war.
President Bio further explained that their concern is not advanced technology and innovation, saying, that in Sierra Leone, through strategic investments in human capital development and the establishment of the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), the government is laying the foundation for inclusive growth and prosperity, guided by principles of ethical governance and equitable access to technology.
He expressed commitment to promoting a culture of responsible innovation rooted in transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
“We recognize the importance of engaging with stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and industry to promote and reward innovation while safeguarding human dignity,” he said.
“Peace and Security Aspect of Autonomous Weapons System: an ECOWAS Perspective on a Path towards the Negotiation Process of a Legally Binding Instrument,” was the theme of the conference.
At the end of the conference, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Frances Alghali together with delegates at the end of the two-day high level regional conference on peace and security aspect of autonomous weapons systems have adopted a communique dubbed the Freetown Conference as a show of commitment in joining the international community to call for a regulated and valid instrument on the use of autonomous weapons.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to other Internal Organizations in Geneva, Lansana Gberie told journalists after the adoption of the communique that the conference will help forge a regional position on the emerging of autonomous weapons systems. He said there is the need for a regional position to push through on the UN Secretary General’s call to have a legally binding instrument that will govern the production and use of weapons.
He pointed out that if there is no legally binding instrument, accountability will not be there for autonomous weapons use and that could be very dangerous. He explained that autonomous weapons systems have emerged quite recently and they are already being used to a very devastating effect.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (24/04/24)
