His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has reiterated his call for immediate reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), arguing that its current structure is antiquated and fails to adequately represent the global community, particularly the African continent. This appeal was made during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where President Bio joined other world leaders for the event’s official opening, receiving a warm welcome from His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Türkiye. In his opening remarks, President Erdoğan expressed gratitude to the attending leaders for their participation and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering global peace and enhancing bilateral partnerships.
During a high-level Presidential Panel Discussion titled “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World,” President Bio advanced his argument for UNSC reform alongside notable figures such as His Excellency Borut Pahor, the former President of Slovenia, and His Excellency Philemon Yang, the former Prime Minister of Cameroon and current President of the 79th United Nations General Assembly. President Bio characterised the existing state of the UNSC as “unacceptable,” urging global leaders to transition from denial to decisive action in rectifying the Council’s shortcomings.
The President emphasised that the UNSC’s structure no longer reflects contemporary global realities and continues to marginalise Africa, a continent that is home to over a billion people yet lacks a permanent seat at the Security Council. “The absence of Africa from a permanent seat suggests that the continent was overlooked during the UNSC’s formation,” he remarked, highlighting the need for greater representation.
Reflecting on his early advocacy for African representation, President Bio acknowledged the initial reluctance from various quarters. However, he noted that persistent diplomacy, dialogue, and collaboration have led to recognition from all five permanent members of the Security Council regarding Africa’s demand for fair representation. This shift, he argued, is crucial for addressing the inadequacies of the current system.
In his remarks, President Bio underscored the necessity for adaptability in international governance. He cautioned against the perils of global inaction and called for the United Nations to adopt reforms that are inclusive, transformative, and conducive to peace. “We do not need a Third World War, particularly in a world already burdened with nuclear weapons; instead, we should embrace diplomacy as the preferred approach,” he urged.
Furthermore, President Bio acknowledged the vital role of African regional blocs in sustaining economic activities and promoting peace throughout the continent. As the Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council (C-10), he called for unity among member nations in confronting ongoing global challenges, particularly the escalating war on tariffs.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s tumultuous history marked by civil conflict, President Bio emphasised that the brutal war was ultimately resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and a collective willingness to listen. “Peace is achievable. Diplomacy is effective. I firmly believe it is the solution to any situation that threatens to escalate into violence,” he stated.
However, President Bio also cautioned against the uncritical adoption of models from so-called developed democracies, noting that some recent examples may not serve as suitable blueprints for nations that are still in the process of consolidating their democratic governance. He called for mutual respect and the need to adapt to a new global order that prioritises cooperation, equity, and inclusion.
