Sierra Leone's President Bio Calls for African UN Representation

Julius Maada Bio, the President of Sierra Leone, delivered a statement at the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He criticized the lack of permanent African representation on the UN Security Council, stating that Africa, with over 1.6 billion people, deserves a rightful place in global decision-making.

Bio argued that no sustainable global solutions regarding peace, climate, food, energy, or technology can be achieved without African leadership. As the Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten, he reiterated Sierra Leone's commitment to advocating for two permanent and five non-permanent seats for African nations on the Council.

He expressed concern over the credibility of the reform process, urging member states to develop a consolidated model before the session concludes. Bio emphasized that Sierra Leone's advocacy is not a plea for charity but a call for acknowledgment, formal apology, and fair redress regarding historical injustices.