Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio presided over the United Nations Security Council’s adoption of a US-sponsored resolution that transforms President Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza into an international mandate, allowing stalled security and reconstruction measures to move forward. On November 17, 2025, the Council approved Resolution 2803 with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions from China and Russia.
The resolution authorises the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to Gaza and establishes a transitional Board of Peace to oversee governance and reconstruction during the transition. Its provisions call for the demilitarisation of the enclave, coordinated reconstruction efforts, and a conditional path to Palestinian statehood that explicitly excludes Hamas from future governance arrangements.
The text also expressly rejects forced displacement of civilians and opposes any long-term Israeli occupation of Gaza. Speaking at UN Headquarters shortly after the vote, President Bio stated that Sierra Leone “fully supports” the US-drafted resolution, describing it as “the best path to end the violence and renew hope for a long-lasting peace.”
He emphasised that an impartial security force and an apolitical governance board are critical to “stabilising Gaza, protecting civilians, and creating an environment in which meaningful peace can take root.” Bio praised the adoption of Resolution 2803 as a critical step toward ending the Gaza conflict and laying the groundwork for long-term peace.
President Bio also praised President Trump for “spearheading this bold peace initiative” and Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey’s diplomatic roles, stating that their sustained mediation was critical in securing the ceasefire and recent hostage releases. “Without the tireless efforts by the mediators, together with our collective advocacy in the Security Council, the hard-won ceasefire would not have been possible,” he told reporters.
Urging broad international support for the Council’s decision, Bio urged UN Member States to “stand on the side of principles with pragmatism, for peace, security, and human dignity for the people of Gaza.” He concluded by emphasising that a coordinated international effort will be required to implement the resolution’s security, humanitarian, and reconstruction measures, as well as to translate the mandate into tangible results on the ground.
