Latest news with #C-10
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Bio Rallies Africa's Push for United Nations (UN) Security Council Reform at C-10 Ambassadors Retreat in Freetown
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed Africa's united demand for equitable representation on the United Nations Security Council, describing the continent's exclusion as 'a profound historical injustice.' He made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the Retreat of Permanent Representatives of C-10 Member States in Addis Ababa and New York. As Coordinator of the C-10, President Bio underscored the urgency of reform and Africa's growing influence in global peace and security governance. 'This Retreat is not merely administrative,' he told delegates. 'It is a moment of reflection, unity, and renewed commitment to a cause that is not only African, but truly global.' President Bio highlighted major diplomatic milestones over the past year, including Sierra Leone's presidency of the UN Security Council in August 2024—the first time the body debated Africa's under-representation. This was followed by the U.S. backing two permanent seats for Africa (without veto) and the Pact for the Future, which acknowledged Africa's marginalization. 'Recognition is welcome,' he said, 'but it must lead to tangible outcomes.' Delegates are expected to develop three core strategic documents: an AU Model for a Reformed Security Council, a Strategic Roadmap, and an Aide-Mémoire to guide global advocacy. These tools, President Bio said, would equip the C-10 for the next phase with 'greater coherence and persuasiveness.' He also outlined five key imperatives that should guide the delegates' deliberations and actions moving forward: internal unity, targeted diplomacy, clear messaging, unwavering demands based on the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, and sustained high-level engagement. Africa, he stressed, must be granted at least two permanent seats with full rights, including the veto if retained, and at least five non-permanent seats. 'A Council stuck in the paradigms of 1945 cannot address the crises of today,' he said, calling on ambassadors to amplify Africa's voice globally. President Bio proposed naming the Retreat's outputs the 'Freetown Roadmap', a technical and political guide for Africa's final push toward meaningful Security Council reform. He closed by reaffirming Sierra Leone's commitment to the cause and commending the work of the C-10, the African Union Commission, and all partners. 'This Retreat marks a defining chapter in our pursuit of a reformed, just, and inclusive UN Security Council,' he concluded. The Retreat is scheduled for the 25th – 26th April 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Egypt Today
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
President Sisi receive Sierra Leonean counterpart, sign number of MoUs
CAIRO – 27 March 2025: Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received on Thursday his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Julius Maada Bio, at Al-Ittihadiya Palace as they held bilateral talks ended with a press conference. An official reception ceremony was held, the national anthems were played, and the guard of honor was inspected. The Spokesman of the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated that the two presidents held bilateral talks and witnessed the signing of a number of Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries. During his speech at the press conference, President Sisi welcomed his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Julius Maada Bio, praising the historical, brotherly relations that bind the two countries and their brotherly peoples. President Sisi said that relations between the two countries have evolved into constructive cooperation since the 1960s, noting that the discussions they held in Cairo demonstrates the mutual commitment to forging closer cooperation between the two countries. 'During our talks, we concurred about the need to strengthen cooperation in capacity-building across an array of domains, notably in agriculture and irrigation; infrastructure; fisheries and food security. We also underscored the importance of further advancing economic and investment relations at a faster pace,' President Sisi said. He added that the discussions touched on Sierra Leone's essential role, as chair of the AU's Committee of Ten (C-10), concerned with promoting Africa's unified stance with regard to the expansion and reform of the UN Security Council. The talks also focused on regional issues of mutual concern, primarily the situations in West Africa and Sahel region. 'I confirmed Egypt's unwavering commitment to reinforcing security and stability in the Sahel region, and highlighted the urgency to adopt a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism. This approach shall encompass, not only military solutions, but also address the economic and social root-causes of terrorism,' President Sisi said during the conference. Developments in the Horn of Africa region were also on the two President's table, as they agreed on the imperative to respect the sovereignty of nations and exert all efforts to safeguard stability in this vital part of the African continent. The Egyptian President also noted that: 'The Nile Water dossier was covered in our discussions as well. I reiterated the existential importance of this issue to Egypt, underlining the need to foster consensus among Nile Basin countries, in a manner that secures the shared interests of our peoples.' Both leaders also reviewed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, and the urgent need for a permanent and sustainable ceasefire, the resumption of dialogue and the return to negotiations so as to achieve a just and enduring peace for the Palestinian cause, based on the two-state solution and ensuring the protection of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Those include the establishment of their independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They agreed to continue coordination and consultations between Cairo and Freetown regarding various issues of common interest.
