AYV News, April 24, 2025
Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess Paige Alghali, has assured that both Sierra Leone and Guinea are actively pursuing diplomatic solutions to the long-standing Yenga issue.
She emphasised that conflict is not in the best interest of either country due to their deep cultural and economic ties. However, she did not rule out the option of Sierra Leone seeking legal redress through international mechanisms if necessary.
Highlighting Sierra Leone’s impactful presidency at the United Nations Security Council in August 2024, Minister Alghali said that during its tenure, Sierra Leone championed Africa’s longstanding call for a permanent seat at the Security Council, pushing to end the historic injustice against the continent.
She further announced that Sierra Leone will again assume the Presidency of the UN Security Council in November 2025, adding that this time, the country’s focus will be on three key priority areas, including Women, Peace, and Security; Youth, Peace, and Security; and Cybersecurity.
Speaking on the Africa Union (AU) Reform Advocacy and C-10 Leadership, Madam Alghali reiterated Sierra Leone’s leadership of the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10) on United Nations Security Council reform, which she said as part of its mandate, Sierra Leone will host a high-level retreat in Freetown for permanent representatives of C-10 member states at the UN.
She said the aim is to harmonise Africa’s position and speak with one voice as the continent pushes for meaningful reforms at the global level.
