United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has congratulated President Julius Maada Bio as Sierra Leone assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council for November 2025. The phone conversation between the two leaders included praise for President Bio’s leadership and recognition of Sierra Leone’s progress in governance and peacebuilding.
Guterres and Bio discussed current political and security issues in West Africa and the Sahel. Guterres affirmed the United Nations’ ongoing support for efforts to address security, development, and humanitarian challenges in these regions.
Sierra Leone’s presidency will focus on several priorities: addressing food insecurity linked to conflict, risks related to climate change, controlling the spread of small arms and light weapons, and promoting youth involvement in peace and security decision-making. This is Sierra Leone’s second time leading the council since August 2024.
“Sierra Leone takes on the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of November,” said Secretary-General Guterres. “President Bio’s leadership and acknowledged the significant strides Sierra Leone has made in governance and peacebuilding.”
“The two leaders also exchanged views on the political and security situation in West Africa and the Sahel region. António Guterres reiterated the UN’s unwavering commitment to supporting efforts aimed at tackling the ongoing security, development, and humanitarian challenges in the region.”
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