Sierra Leone in the UN Security Council Presidency… A Proud Moment for Every Sierra Leonean
By: Lansana Fofanah.
“Sierra Leone is a country that is no longer defined by its past, but defined today as a beacon of hope, human security and human capital development; a country that is emerging as a dynamic liberal and progressive nation making its presence felt on the global stage. Sierra Leone is running with your trust and blessing with regional support from ECOWAS and Africa Union as an endorsed candidate of Africa” those were appealing words from the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Professor David J. Francis during his final campaign message to members of the diplomatic community for the nonpermanent seat election in the United Nations Security Council.
This was after a successful media campaign and a wider consultation with the diplomatic communities and friendly nations, a move that led big nations like Nigeria stepping out of the race to pave a way for Sierra Leone to easily clinch the continent’s blessing.
With the theme: Partnership, multilateralism and representative approach to support and sustain global peace and security, Professor Francis diplomatic engagements with world leaders and global players, enabled Sierra Leone to secure 188 votes out of 192 countries, and returned to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member with a continental pride on the 6th of June 2023 after 52 years of waiting.
With a post-war reconstructive experience, Sierra Leone through its permanent representative Ambassador Imran Khan, has been able to deliberate on the ongoing wars in the Middle East, the war between Ukraine and Russia, and other conflict zones by echoing the common African position of peace, stability, respect for human right principles and values.
The crucial role played by the United Nations Security Council during the country’s civil war cannot be overemphasized, ranging from the deployment of peace keepers under the United Nations Missions in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to ending the war and building a post-war reconstructive security sector reforms.
And today, Sierra Leone has strategically positioned itself in the Council as a force to reckon with when it comes to promoting global peace and security.
With a small population of 7+ million citizens, Sierra Leone has assumed the role of presidency in the United Nations Security Council for the month of August with a sense of hope, dedication and determination to leave a lasting legacy through the deliberation and coordination of the activities of the Council.
With regional consultation, His Excellency the President Dr Julius Maada Bio has been leading the call through the African Union for Africa to have a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council as a way of correcting the long historical injustice Africa with a population of 1.4 billion continue to face.
Even though 70% of resolutions and decisions in the Council have a great impact on Africa, the continent has no say in the Council amidst the Five permanent members.
This has rendered the continent’s voiceless when it comes to making decisions that directly affect its people.
Similar call has been made by India with a population of over 1.3 billion but without any authority in the Security Council whilst smaller nations like the United Kingdom is among the Five veto powers.
This, the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is determined to champion by calling for a democratic reform in the Council for not only Africa but for other continents with fewer representations.
The last reform was in 1963 to 1965 when the Council’s membership was increased from 11 to 15 with five in the permanent and ten in the non-permanent seats.
Our representation in the Council, has restored confidence in our investment climate, brought national pride and global recognition amidst sound diplomatic and foreign policies.
With the motive to unite regional countries and to consolidate regional blocs like MRU and ECOWAS, President Bio has maintained a perfect working-relations with countries like Guinea , Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger despite their intentions to leave the ECOWAS.
Sierra Leone will no longer be known or defined as a blood diamond nation, but a nation who had served and steered the affairs of the world’s policing body; the United Nations Security Council.
The relentless effort of all those who made it happen will always be remembered by generations yet unborn.
Indeed, this is a proud moment for every Sierra Leonean to celebrate!!!
