By Idrissa Hilton Gogra, Information Attach’e Germany
The Sierra Leone Ambassador to Germany, His Excellency M’Bemba Lamin Baryoh has convinced African Group Ambassadors on the need for Sierra Leone to become a Non-Permanent Members for African States in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
He made this call while serving as a Guest of Honour in a virtual meeting that was held in Berlin, Germany where he congratulated the newly elected Director General of the World Trade Organization, Her Excellency Ngozi Okonjo-Iweda.
“Let me start by congratulating our very own, the newly elected Director-General of the World Trade organization (WTO), Her Excellency Ngozi Okonjo-lweda, the 7th World Trade Organization Director-General,” said Ambassador M’Bemba Baryoh, adding that Madam Ngozi Okonjo is the first woman and the first African to assume the office of Director General of the World Trade Organization. He went on to say that her elevation has brought lots of hope for the African continent and by extension, the world. Ambassador Baryoh informed members of the African Group Ambassadors that the key priority of Her Excellency Ngozi Okonjo-Iweda, is to work with member states to quickly address the economic and health consequences brought about by COVID-19.
“I wish her every success on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone in her endeavours,” he said.
“My mission has already sent Notes Verbal from the Government to your respective missions soliciting your support during the UN General Assembly to vote for Sierra Leone,” he told members of the African Group Ambassadors from various countries. He added that the President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio is presently Chairman of the Committee of Ten (C 10) of the African Union which consists of Senegal, Republic of Congo, Libya, Namibia, Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone.
He went on to say that the Committee of Ten (C10) advocates and canvases for reforms in the UN Security Council on behalf of the African Union. He added that this includes Africa to have one more seat as Non-Permanent and two Permanent seats with VETO POWER in the UNSC.
Ambassador Baryoh disclosed that President Bio in a meeting of the AU on 11th February 2019, whilst presenting the report of the Committee at the Plenary Session of the United Nations warned, that the recognition and legitimacy of the African Continent demands to take its rightful place in the global Governance, which is achievable only if we continue to work together in articulating our aspirations and goals as a continent.
As a matter of fact, he said that Sierra Leone has been heading this Committee for the last two successive sessions. He added that it is our view that the experience gained by President Bio during his tenure as Chairman of C10 has put him in a very good position to negotiate and canvas for reforms in the UN on behalf of Africa in the UN-Security Council.
He disclosed that President Bio and the other members in the Committee have been very instrumental in achieving these goals and aspirations of the AU. He therefore encouraged the Ambassadors to recommend to their respective Governments to vote for Sierra Leone in its quest to get a seat as a Non-Permanent member In the UNSC.
