Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio emphasised on Monday that Africa’s demand for greater representation in the United Nations’ most influential body “cannot wait any longer”.

As he chaired a meeting convened by his country at the Security Council, Bio advocated for more council seats for African nations, including two permanent positions with potential veto power.

President Julius Maada Bio emphasized that “half-measures and incremental progress” are no longer sufficient, asserting that Africa’s demands for justice and equity must be addressed.

He described Africa as the “unquestionable victim” of an outdated and imbalanced Security Council structure.

While the push for reform is not new and is supported by other countries seeking greater representation, efforts to expand and reshape the Council have stalled due to disagreements on the extent of the changes and which nations should be included.

Bio’s attendance underscored the urgency of the matter as the U.N. prepares for its “Summit of the Future”, and the annual General Assembly Meeting of World Leaders, with presidents, prime ministers, and monarchs usually in attendance. Both events are set to take place next month.

Some countries are counting on the upcoming summit to provide momentum for a new vision of international cooperation in this century.

The latest draft of the “Pact for the Future” prioritises Security Council reform and promises ambitious outcomes, though specific details are still pending.

Bio expressed confidence in the inevitability of reform, stating, “We are sure it is a matter of time. Because the gatekeepers will find it hard to let us in,” but asserted, “we have a genuine and persuasive case.”

The Security Council’s Dynamics
Established in 1945 to preserve peace after World War II, the Security Council has the authority to impose sanctions, conduct peacekeeping missions, and issue legally binding resolutions, though compliance can vary.
The Security Council’s structure reflects the post-World War II power dynamics, a period when much of Africa was under European colonial rule.
It includes five permanent members with veto power: the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, and France. Additionally, ten seats are held by countries serving two-year terms, with three of these allocated to Africa.
Critics argue that this setup inadequately represents Africa, which has a population of 1.3 billion and comprises 28% of the U.N.’s member states.
The continent is home to five of the U.N.’s eleven peacekeeping missions and contributes significantly to peacekeeping forces.
The African Union has called for two more elected seats and two permanent ones for Africa. Namibia’s foreign minister, Peya Mushelenga, stressed the urgent need to address the permanent seats issue.
Changes to the Security Council’s structure would need approval from the General Assembly, which has been in negotiations for years.
Assembly President Dennis Francis highlighted Africa’s significant underrepresentation, calling the current setup “simply wrong”.
The U.N. member states have proposed various reforms, with the U.S. supporting the addition of permanent seats for Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged the council to focus on solutions rather than just discussing the problem.
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, currently presiding over the council, emphasised that Africa’s needs should be a priority in any reform efforts, stating, “Africa cannot wait any longer.”