By Mohamed K. Fofanah
In a poignant address reflecting on Sierra Leone’s tumultuous history, President Julius Maada Bio emphasized the importance of dialogue, vigilance, and international support in the nation’s journey from the depths of a brutal civil war to a hard-won peace.
He credited organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their pivotal roles in fostering this stability. As President Bio highlighted, Sierra Leone’s experiences inform its contributions to the UN Security Council, where it advocates for the respect of international law, the protection of civilians, and the necessity of dialogue in resolving conflicts.
In light of ongoing global crises, including conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, President Bio called for an immediate ceasefire in several regions, including Gaza, Sudan, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ukraine. He insisted that achieving peace is not a solitary endeavour; it requires an inclusive political process, economic development, and a steadfast commitment to human rights. “For the millions of civilians trapped in armed conflicts, words of condemnation are not enough,” he asserted, underscoring the urgency of action.
The President commended the leadership in the Sahel and West Africa for their efforts to address security challenges such as terrorism. He urged the international community to bolster African-led peace initiatives and for the UN to proactively tackle the root causes of these conflicts. “We need to build bridges,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity for the international community to collaborate with regional actors to implement dialogue-based, region-led, and region-owned solutions.
During his address, President Bio also drew attention to the pressing need for reform within the UN Security Council. He noted that the current composition of the Council does not accurately reflect the realities of the modern world, stating, “The Council has been stuck in time, and Africa remains the unquestionable victim.” He raised concerns about the performance and legitimacy of the Council in its unchanged form, advocating for a reformation that prioritizes Africa’s representation.
Recalling an open debate held under Sierra Leone’s Presidency, he highlighted the historical injustices faced by Africa, which must be rectified for the continent to gain equitable representation in global governance. “The legacy of colonialism, economic exploitation, and political marginalization has left deep scars on the African continent, thereby affecting its development, stability, and influence in international affairs,” he lamented. President Bio asserted that Africa deserves no less than two permanent seats on the Security Council, complete with the rights and privileges afforded to current permanent members, including veto power, as well as two non-permanent seats. “Africa’s voice must be heard, and its demands for justice and equity must be met now,” he insisted.
In the context of the Summit of the Future, President Bio presented Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan for 2024-2030, which aims to deliver socio-economic development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasized the country’s commitment to investing in human capital through education, healthcare, and agriculture. Notably, he highlighted advancements such as the “Free Quality Education Programme” and significant strides in gender equality, including the signing of a law prohibiting child marriage in 2024, following the enactment of the 2023 “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act.” These initiatives reflect a national aspiration for a more inclusive society, particularly for women and girls.
“I remain steadfast in my commitment to ensuring that every girl and woman lives in a safe environment, with ample opportunities to realize their full potential,” President Bio declared. He announced Sierra Leone’s leadership in organizing a conference aimed at concluding a legally binding instrument on access to justice for survivors of sexual violence, known as the “Freetown Treaty.”
Addressing global inequalities, President Bio stressed the importance of leaving no one behind, particularly in the face of challenges such as the debt crisis, inadequate capital flow, climate change, and political instability, which hinder developing countries from achieving the SDGs. He endorsed the “Nairobi IDA Communiqué,” advocating for increased development support in Africa through affordable, concessional finance that facilitates economic and healthcare development without plunging nations into unsustainable debt.
In closing, President Bio drew parallels between the post-World War II era, which united leaders in a spirit of cooperation, and the current global landscape. He recited an African proverb: “Our two hands do not wash themselves — they wash one another,” calling for greater collaboration among nations. “Divisions and unhealthy competition will only lead to humanity’s destruction,” he cautioned, reinforcing the need for unity in diversity, where the rights of the weak and minority groups are safeguarded.
Through his impassioned address, President Julius Maada Bio not only reflected on Sierra Leone’s past, but also laid out a vision for a more equitable and peaceful future, urging both national and international actors to commit to the principles of dialogue, cooperation, and reform.
