President Dr Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has renewed calls for Africa to be granted permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), describing the Council’s current structure as outdated and unjust.
Speaking at the Oxford Union on the theme “The Common African Position on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council,” President Bio criticised the Council’s framework, which was established during the colonial era, for failing to reflect today’s global realities and the demographic weight of Africa.
He emphasised that the lack of permanent African representation is a historic injustice that continues to marginalise the continent in decisions on global peace and security. Drawing from his own experience as both a witness to war and a proponent of peace, he explained that he represented the concerns of 7.5 million Sierra Leoneans and 1.3 billion Africans.
Africa, he said, is demanding two permanent seats with veto powers, five non-permanent seats, and the authority for the African Union to appoint its representatives to the Council.
As Coordinator of the African Union’s Committee of Ten Heads of State (C-10) on UN Reform, President Bio urged the next generation of global leaders to embrace fairness and equity in international governance. He highlighted the importance of a more inclusive Security Council that could enhance legitimacy, promote global cooperation, and improve the effectiveness of peacebuilding efforts.
President Bio concluded by stressing that this is a crucial moment in history – an opportunity to reshape the future of global governance. He called on the international community to finally fulfil its longstanding commitment to Africa.
