Latest news with #AfricaRepresentation
Zawya
3 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio Chairs Virtual African Union (AU) C-10 Summit To Advance Africa's Demand For United Nations (UN) Security Council Reform
His Excellency, President Dr, Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has issued a resounding call for decisive action on United Nations Security Council reform, emphasizing Africa's legitimate and long-overdue demand for permanent representation. Speaking at the Sixth Summit of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government (C-10), which was held virtually on Friday, President Bio described the moment as a critical juncture in Africa's two-decade-long push for equity and justice in global governance. 'As a continent historically excluded from the highest decision-making body on global peace and security, our call is not for charity but for fairness,' President Bio declared. 'Africa will no longer accept marginalisation. The time to act is now.' President Bio, who also serves as the C-10 Coordinator, recounted key milestones since the Fifth C-10 Summit in Equatorial Guinea and the adoption of the Oyala Plan of Action in February 2024. He highlighted progress made under Sierra Leone's presidency of the UN Security Council in August 2024, including the first-ever high-level debate addressing Africa's exclusion from permanent membership. The President outlined the next phase of C-10's advocacy, including the submission of the African Union Reform Model to the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) process, a model that calls for no fewer than two permanent seats, with all rights, including the veto if it remains and two additional non-permanent seats for Africa. 'These are not symbolic developments, they are signals that the world is finally listening,' he said, referencing global acknowledgements like the UN Pact for the Future and a direct ministerial dialogue with the P5 during UNGA79. President Bio stressed the importance of unity, coherence, and high-level engagement moving forward, especially ahead of the 80th UN General Assembly and the 20th anniversary of the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration in September 2025. 'We must align our messaging, mobilise our partners, and continue to press for Africa's rightful place in global governance. Our inclusion is not just a matter of justice, it enhances the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Security Council itself,' he said. The summit concluded with a renewed commitment from C-10 leaders to advance the Common African Position and ensure Africa's voice remains central in all global discussions on peace and security. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
President Museveni Calls for Reforms in the United Nations Security Council—Africa to Have Two Permanent Seats and Two Non-Permanent Seats
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to give Africa not less than two Permanent Seats with veto power as well as two Non-Permanent Seats in the United Nations Security Council. The call was made during the 6th Summit of the Committee of Ten African Union Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council (C-10) held virtually on Friday 25th July 2025. The President's statement was delivered by Amb. Adonia Ayebare, Uganda's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The Summit was convened by H.E Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, who is also the coordinator of the C-10. The Summit was also attended by Heads of State of Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Namibia and Zambia. The Heads of State of Algeria, Congo Republic, and Senegal were ably represented by Ministers. Since 2005, the C-10 has been working to, on behalf of the African Union, champion the Common African Position (CAP) on the reform of the UNSC. The resolutions of the C-10 will form the African position to be discussed at the United Nations General Assembly and other fora. President Museveni called on the United Nations to consider the African proposals for fair representation to rectify the historical injustice against Africa which was perpetrated by the exploitative colonial powers. He noted that at the time the United Nations was founded in 1945, Africa had only four (4) Independent States (Ethiopia, Liberia, Egypt and the Union of South Africa) and only these were invited to the San Francisco Conference at which the UN Charter and the Statute of the ICJ were adopted. Currently, Africa has 54 independent States, which forms almost 28% of the UN membership. It is therefore imperative to reform the UNSC to reflect the current realities. The President urged members of the C-10 and the African Union in general to step up building the 'Africa We Want' in accordance with the vision of the African Union, united, cohesive and speaking with one voice in all aspects of the UNSC reforms. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
