AYV News, August 6, 2024

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba has assured that while serving as President of the United Nations Security Council, the country will preside over discussions on critical African challenges on August 12, 2024.

Minister Kabba outlined the agenda for Sierra Leone’s leadership role, adding that key issues to be addressed include Africa’s underrepresentation in the UNSC, historical injustices faced by African states over the past 80 years, and the push for an additional two seats for Africa to ensure balanced representation in the Council.

He stressed the need for increased collaboration among African leaders to support Sierra Leone in advancing common goals for the continent, noting that for much of the past 80 years, there has been inadequate African advocacy within the UNSC.

Minister Kabba said: “With Sierra Leone leading this effort, we aim to discuss and address 60% to 70% of Africa’s challenges to foster sustainable transformation,” urging all African states to support Sierra Leone’s efforts during the UNSC deliberations.

Stressing the importance of unified advocacy, the minister said the backdrop of the UNSC discussions includes escalating regional conflicts and violence, particularly in the Middle East.

Recent missile and drone attacks targeting civilians have heightened tensions, with significant concerns about potential all-out war in the region following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.