On February 15, 2025, at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio led a significant meeting of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) Heads of State and Government. The gathering was held during the 38th Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
The C-10 leaders discussed Africa’s position on reforming the United Nations Security Council. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Common African Position as stated in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. This stance calls for two permanent seats with full privileges, including veto power, and two additional non-permanent seats for Africa on a reformed Security Council.
During this session, the Committee endorsed its 25th Report and approved the Outcome from the Eleventh Meeting of C-10 Foreign Ministers that took place in Algiers, Algeria, from June 9–10, 2024. A draft Decision related to these documents was also sanctioned for presentation to the African Union Assembly for formal adoption.
President Bio welcomed Philemon Yang, President of the United Nations General Assembly for its 79th Session, as a Special Guest. President Bio stressed Yang’s crucial role in leading Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council reform. “His Excellency Yang’s role will be instrumental in advancing the progress made in previous sessions,” he remarked.
The endorsement of this report underscores Africa’s dedication to achieving fair representation within the United Nations Security Council and highlights Africa’s increasing role in global governance.
