AYV News, August 2, 2024

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba has assured that during President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s one month leadership at the United Nations Security Council, he will be creating awareness on Africa’s problems.

Minister Kabba said: “A conflict in Africa is a concern for all of us. We know there are some emerging challenges within our sub-region which has given the need for an urgent discussion on the future of ECOWAS”.

Sierra Leone has assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council effective yesterday until the end of August 2024. President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who is also Chairman of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government (C10) on the reform of the Security Council says the country will vigorously pursue Security Council reform for the inclusive, equitable, and permanent representation of the voices of Africa’s 1.2 billion people.

President Bio will further preside over a United Nations Security Council Reform Debate on August 12th, 2024, as part of the two planned signature events in New York during the month of the country’s presidency of the Council according to Minister Tim Kabba.

Earlier, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio said: “Today, Sierra Leone is delighted to commence a momentous tenure as the President of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August. I firmly believe that during this Presidency, we will significantly advance the urgent need for reforms within the United Nations Security Council.

“Our primary focus will be on advocating for reforming of the Security Council to provide equitable, inclusive and permanent representation for Africa. This will help amplify the voices of the 1.2 billion individuals living on the continent. It is our mission to correct this historic injustice that has persisted for 79 years”.

Minister Kabba described Sierra Leone’s Presidency at the Council as a pride for the continent, citing that Sierra Leone was elected as a non-permanent member on June 6, 2023, and has been able to advocate for peace and stability across the globe within this few months in the Council.

The foreign affairs minister said Sierra Leone through its permanent representative in the Council will be chairing every session in the Council in August, and key among them will be chaired by President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio where he is expected to champion the call for a democratic and a fair representation for Africa in the Council.

He said most of the decisions and resolutions discussed in the Council, have to do with the African continent, adding that it is unfair for the continent not be represented in the permanent category. This he said is a historical injustice that needs to be corrected.

According to the Minister, Sierra Leone has been able to participate in key resolutions reached by the council which includes, the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine and that of the Sudan.

All the activities of the Council in August will be spearheaded by Sierra Leone.

Minister Kabba said that Sierra Leone is a permanent member in the Africa Union Peace and Security Council where President Bio and his counterpart have discussed a clear road map in Sudan to avoid the predicted human catastrophic.

Underscoring the diplomatic gains and bilateral relations of Sierra Leone, Minister Alhaji Kabba said that the establishment of several embassies in the country serves as a testament of the high level of trust and confidence the international community has on the leadership of President Bio.