By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S.
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, in his role as Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10), recently led the Sixth C-10 Summit, which convened virtually on Friday.
The summit focused on the pressing need for reform of the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing Africa’s persistent demand for permanent representation. In his address to fellow African leaders, President Bio highlighted the urgency of reshaping the global peace and security framework to reflect fairness and inclusivity.
“Africa’s call for at least two permanent seats, complete with all rights and privileges—including veto power if it remains—must be recognized. This is not a plea for charity; it is a demand for justice,” President Bio asserted. “Africa will no longer tolerate marginalization. The time for action is now.”
Building on the progress made at the previous C-10 Summit in Equatorial Guinea and the adoption of the Oyala Plan of Action in February 2024, President Bio pointed to Sierra Leone’s recent presidency of the UN Security Council in August 2024, which included a significant high-level debate addressing Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership.
Key topics discussed during the summit included the submission of the African Union Reform Model to the ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) regarding UN reform. This model articulates Africa’s unified position, drawing from the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which have shaped the continent’s stance over the last two decades.
President Bio noted the increasing international acknowledgment of Africa’s demands, referencing the outcomes from the UN Pact for the Future and a recent ministerial dialogue with the Permanent Members (P5) of the Security Council during the 79th UN General Assembly.
As preparations commence for the 80th UN General Assembly and the 20th anniversary of the Ezulwini Consensus, President Bio called for sustained unity among African nations and enhanced engagement with global partners. He stressed that Africa’s inclusion in the Security Council would rectify historical inequities and bolster the Council’s legitimacy and effectiveness.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment from C-10 member states to advocate for the Common African Position in all relevant international forums. The leaders pledged to sustain momentum in their collective efforts towards comprehensive and equitable reform of the Security Council.
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