The African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government has adopted the 25th Report of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) Heads of State, alongside a decision on United Nations Security Council reform. The report was presented by Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who is also the Coordinator of the C-10.
President Bio expressed his honor in leading efforts to advance reforms for the United Nations Security Council. He stated that the report embodies a collective determination to achieve meaningful reform and to promote and defend the Common African Position (CAP), as outlined in both the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
Acknowledging support from fellow African leaders, President Bio noted significant progress made in advocating for CAP, which is gaining global recognition and support. "The structure of the UN Security Council is outdated and imbalanced, undermining its legitimacy and effectiveness," he said. He pointed out Africa's lack of representation in both permanent and non-permanent categories as historical injustices.
President Bio highlighted Africa's contributions to global peace through financial aid, military personnel, and sacrifices yet remains excluded from permanent membership on the Security Council. With over 1.4 billion people, he insisted that Africa deserves better representation.
He urged African nations to strengthen diplomatic engagements with various interest groups, individual member states, permanent members of the Security Council, and other stakeholders to sustain reform momentum. "The C-10 has made significant progress in advocating for the Common African Position on behalf of AU Member States," President Bio told the Assembly.
The report was widely supported with recommendations reaffirming CAP as a solution to address Africa's historical injustice. Member countries emphasized treating Africa as a special case during reforms while commending President Bio for his leadership.
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