President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed Africa’s united demand for equitable illustration on the United Nations Safety Council, describing the continent’s exclusion as “a profound historic injustice.” He made the remarks throughout the opening ceremony of the Retreat of Everlasting Representatives of C-10 Member States in Addis Ababa and New York.
As Coordinator of the C-10, President Bio underscored the urgency of reform and Africa’s rising affect in international peace and safety governance. “This Retreat isn’t merely administrative,” he instructed delegates. “It’s a second of reflection, unity, and renewed dedication to a trigger that’s not solely African, however really international.”
President Bio highlighted main diplomatic milestones over the previous 12 months, together with Sierra Leone’s presidency of the UN Safety Council in August 2024—the primary time the physique debated Africa’s under-representation. This was adopted by the U.S. backing two everlasting seats for Africa (with out veto) and the Pact for the Future, which acknowledged Africa’s marginalization.
“Recognition is welcome,” he stated, “nevertheless it should result in tangible outcomes.”
Delegates are anticipated to develop three core strategic paperwork: an AU Mannequin for a Reformed Safety Council, a Strategic Roadmap, and an Aide-Mémoire to information international advocacy. These instruments, President Bio stated, would equip the C-10 for the subsequent section with “better coherence and persuasiveness.”
He additionally outlined 5 key imperatives that ought to information the delegates’ deliberations and actions transferring ahead: inside unity, focused diplomacy, clear messaging, unwavering calls for based mostly on the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, and sustained high-level engagement. Africa, he confused, should be granted at the least two everlasting seats with full rights, together with the veto if retained, and at the least 5 non-permanent seats.
“A Council caught within the paradigms of 1945 can not handle the crises of at the moment,” he stated, calling on ambassadors to amplify Africa’s voice globally.
President Bio proposed naming the Retreat’s outputs the “Freetown Roadmap”, a technical and political information for Africa’s last push towards significant Safety Council reform.
He closed by reaffirming Sierra Leone’s dedication to the trigger and commending the work of the C-10, the African Union Fee, and all companions. “This Retreat marks a defining chapter in our pursuit of a reformed, simply, and inclusive UN Safety Council,” he concluded. The Retreat is scheduled for the twenty fifth – twenty sixth April 2025.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State Home Sierra Leone.
