Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio has once again called for significant reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), labeling its current structure as both outdated and not reflective of the global community, particularly Africa. President Bio voiced these concerns at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum held in Türkiye, where he was welcomed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
During a panel discussion themed "Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World," Bio stressed the inadequacy of the current UNSC setup, highlighting Africa's lack of a permanent seat on the Council. "The fact that Africa, home to over a billion people, does not have a permanent seat at the Security Council suggests that the continent was never considered at the time of its formation," he stated.
President Bio remarked on the initial reluctance toward Africa's inclusion but noted the gradual acknowledgment of Africa's demands by the five permanent UNSC members. He emphasized the importance of adaptability in international governance and the dangers of neglecting necessary reforms.
Furthermore, President Bio highlighted the role of African regional blocs in maintaining peace and economic activities and urged member nations to address global challenges collaboratively. Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s history of civil conflict, he underscored the resolution achieved through dialogue and diplomacy. “Peace is possible. Diplomacy works. I believe it is the answer to any situation that threatens to escalate into violence,” he affirmed.
Cautioning against adopting unsuitable governance models from developed democracies, Bio advocated for respect, cooperation, and inclusivity in shaping a new global order.
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