The African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government unanimously adopted the 25th Report of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) on UN Security Council reform at its 38th Ordinary Session. The report was presented by Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who is the C-10 Coordinator and has played a key role in advocating for the reform.
In his address to the assembly, President Bio expressed his deep gratitude for leading the initiative to advance the United Nations Security Council reform agenda. He emphasised that the report captures African nations’ collective determination to pursue meaningful reform and uphold the Common African Position (CAP), a framework established by the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
President Bio acknowledged the critical support and collaboration he has received from other African leaders and attributed significant progress in advocating for the CAP to this united front. He noted that the CAP is increasingly gaining recognition and support on the global stage, which brings Africa closer to achieving a more substantial representation in the Security Council.
“The structure of the United Nations Security Council is outdated and imbalanced, undermining its legitimacy and effectiveness,” President Bio said. He highlighted that Africa’s absence from the permanent membership category, along with its under-representation in the non-permanent category, constitutes a historical injustice that must be addressed.
With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, Africa stands as the second-largest and most populous continent in the world. President Bio emphasised that Africa deserves greater recognition and representation in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of the Security Council. He urged African nations to step up their diplomatic efforts with various interest groups, individual member states, the five permanent members of the Security Council, and other key stakeholders to maintain the momentum for reform.
“The C-10 has made significant progress in advocating for the Common African Position on behalf of AU member states. We have witnessed unprecedented advancements in the reform process, which should inspire optimism and hope among us all,” President Bio informed the assembly. In his presentation, President Bio urged the assembly to adopt the C-10’s 25th Report, the associated draft decision, and the annexed Ministerial Outcome. He emphasised the importance of remaining united throughout the reform process, saying, “Our collective strength is critical to achieving our goals. Let us speak with one voice. The report received widespread support, with numerous key recommendations reaffirming the Common African Position as the best way to address Africa’s historical injustices. Member states emphasised the importance of treating Africa as a unique case and a top priority in reform discussions. President Bio was commended for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing Africa’s interests on the global stage, reflecting a shared desire for more equitable representation in the international arena. As the assembly concluded, the path forward appeared more promising, with African leaders united in their pursuit of justice and representation on the United Nations Security Council. The adoption of President Bio’s report is a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to reform the Security Council, ensuring Africa’s voice is heard and represented in global decision-making processes.
