His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who doubled as the President of the United Nations Security Council for August 2024, has addressed the council’s debate on the maintenance of international peace and security on the theme “The Historical Injustice and Enhancing Africa’s Effective Representation in the UN Security Council.” At the United Nations Security Council Chamber, in New York on Monday 12 August 2024, according to a news release by the State House Media and Communications Unit.
the release revealed that President Bio, while laying premises on the historical injustice, informed members of the UN Security Council that, through the Common African Position as espoused in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, “Africa has articulated a clear and compelling vision and model for reform, one that ensures equitable representation and meaningful participation of Africa in the Council.” He stated that " the Security Council's current structure reflects an outdated world order, an era that fails to recognise Africa's growing importance and contributions.”Africa demands two permanent seats in the UN Security Council and two additional non-permanent seats, bringing the total number of non-permanent seats to five. The African Union will choose the African Permanent Members. Despite being home to over 1.3 billion people and the 54 African countries making up 28 percent of the total membership of the UN, with significant contributions to peacekeeping and conflict resolution, Africa remains grossly under-represented in this vital organ of the UN,” President Bio reminded. The President, while speaking as a representative of a continent that has long been under-represented in the decision-making processes that shape our world on matters of peace and security, acknowledged that “it is now a settled view that the UN Security Council needs reforming. The imperative for reform is irrefutable. Nearly 80 years after its creation, the Council has been stuck in time,” he expressed. He noted that the UNSC's imbalanced composition is at odds with current realities and unjust, undermining its legitimacy and effectiveness since “Africa remains the unquestionable victim. With the absence of structural change, the Security Council’s performance and legitimacy remain questionable,” he revealed.
President Bio, while addressing the historical injustice that has significantly hindered Africa’s ability to contribute effectively to global governance, notes that despite Africa’s experience and perspectives remaining invaluable in sharpening comprehensive and effective solutions to global challenges, “the legacy of colonialism, economic exploitation, and political marginalisation has left deep scars on the continent, affecting its development, stability, and influence in international affairs.”
The President reminded the council that “the UN, the cornerstone of international cooperation, was founded on principles of equality, justice, and the collective pursuit of peace. Yet, the current structure of the Security Council reflects an outdated world order, an era that fails to recognise Africa's growing importance and contributions.”
President Bio believes that “this systemic bias perpetuates a cycle of marginalisation and reinforces the false notion of Africa as a passive actor in shaping global affairs. In rectifying the historical injustice that has long plagued the continent, the UN has an opportunity to forge a more just and inclusive world order that honors all nations' dignity and aspirations, regardless of their size or stature. Now is the time for action. Africa cannot wait any longer,” he emphasised.
Meaningful, insightful, and thought-provoking briefings were made by the UN Secretary-General, His Excellency António Guterres, the President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, His Excellency Denis Francis, and Dr. Sithembele Mbete. Other UNSC members, the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on UN Security Council Reform (C-10), and their representatives also made meaningful contributions in support of addressing the historical injustice and enhancing Africa’s effective representation in the UN Security Council.
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