Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who chairs the United Nations Security Council, welcomed the adoption of Resolution 2803 on Monday, November 17, 2025, as a significant step towards ending the Gaza conflict and laying the groundwork for long-term peace.
The United Nations resolution, drafted by the United States, was passed with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions — China and Russia — and authorises the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, as well as the establishment of a Transitional Board of Peace to oversee governance during the transition. Solution 2803 advocates for demilitarisation, reconstruction, and a conditional pathway to Palestinian statehood that explicitly excludes Hamas from future governance structures.
The text also expressly rejects forced displacement and forbids any long-term Israeli occupation of Gaza territory. President Bio stated shortly after the vote that Sierra Leone “fully supports” the United States-drafted resolution, describing it as “the best path to end the violence and renew hope for a lasting peace.”
President Bio stated that an impartial security force and an apolitical governance body will be critical “in stabilising Gaza, protecting civilians, and creating an environment in which meaningful peace can take root.”
He praised President Trump for “spearheading this bold peace initiative,” and praised Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their continued mediation, which was critical to achieving the ceasefire and recent hostage releases. “Without the tireless efforts of the mediators, together with our collective advocacy in the Security Council, the hard-won ceasefire would not have been possible,” according to him.
In an appeal for global unity behind the Council’s decision, President Bio urged U.N. Member States to “stand on the side of principles with pragmatism, for peace, security, and human dignity for the people of Gaza.”
