President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has become a prominent advocate for reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), pushing for increased representation of African nations. Speaking as the chair of the Security Council’s August meeting on international peace, Bio underscored the need for a structural overhaul that would grant Africa a permanent and more influential seat in global decision-making.
In his role as the coordinator of the African Union’s Committee of Ten Heads of State (C-10), Bio has consistently emphasized the historic injustices faced by Africa in the UNSC. The current composition of the Security Council, which consists of five permanent members with veto power and ten rotating non-permanent members, has been criticized for being outdated and unrepresentative of Africa’s significant role on the global stage.
In his speech on August 12, Bio articulated that Africa, home to over 1.3 billion people and 54 nations, continues to be sidelined in critical international discussions, particularly those regarding peace and security. He pointed out that over 60% of the issues discussed in the UNSC are related to Africa, yet the continent has no permanent representation. Bio called on the global community to rectify this imbalance, asserting that it was time for Africa to have a permanent voice in the UNSC.
Bio’s push for reform is rooted in a demand for at least two permanent seats and two additional non-permanent seats for Africa, ensuring that the continent’s concerns are adequately represented. Furthermore, Bio has called for the abolition of the veto power held by the five permanent members of the Security Council, arguing that if veto power is to remain, it must be extended to any new permanent members, including those from Africa.
While support for Africa’s demands is strong within the continent, Bio has acknowledged the challenges posed by the five permanent members (P-5) of the Security Council, who control access to decision-making power. Despite these challenges, Bio remains hopeful, noting that the P-5 have begun to recognize Africa’s long-standing grievances and the need for reform.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has also expressed his support for Bio’s calls for reform. At the same Security Council meeting, Guterres stated that it is unacceptable for a continent with over a billion people, a rapidly growing population, and significant contributions to global peace and security to remain without a permanent seat at the table. He emphasized that Africa’s perspectives on peace and security issues must be valued more, both within the continent and globally.
Bio’s call for reform comes ahead of the United Nations’ 80th anniversary in 2025. For Bio, the anniversary will only be meaningful if the structure of the UNSC reflects the modern world order, where Africa’s growing influence and contributions are fully acknowledged and respected.
In addition to his advocacy for UNSC reform, Bio has also highlighted lessons drawn from Sierra Leone’s own history. The country’s brutal civil war, which lasted from 1991 to 2002, has deeply influenced Bio’s views on conflict resolution and international diplomacy. Reflecting on the aftermath of the war, Bio emphasized the importance of dialogue and multilateralism in resolving conflicts. He sees Africa as a key player in global peace efforts, bringing valuable lessons in partnership, consensus-building, and reconciliation to the international stage.
Bio has also been a strong proponent of gender equality and social progress in Sierra Leone. Under his leadership, Sierra Leone has enacted laws aimed at improving women’s participation in governance and protecting their rights. One such law mandates that at least 30% of positions in both the public and private sectors, including in the cabinet, be held by women. This is a significant step toward greater gender equity in the country.
Earlier this year, Sierra Leone also passed a law banning child marriage, a critical move in protecting young girls and ensuring their rights to education and a better future. Bio has consistently argued that empowering women is essential to national development, stating that a nation cannot progress if it continues to exclude over half of its population from opportunities in leadership and decision-making.
As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, Sierra Leone faces significant challenges posed by the effects of climate change. Bio has acknowledged these challenges, highlighting the severe weather events that frequently overwhelm the country’s infrastructure, including floods and heavy rains. In response, Sierra Leone has launched a national climate action campaign, focusing on reforestation, improved drainage systems, and public education on environmental conservation.
Bio’s approach to governance also emphasizes the importance of developing human capital. In a country rich in natural resources such as diamonds and gold, Bio believes the most valuable asset Sierra Leone possesses is its people. By focusing on education and empowerment, Bio aims to harness the full potential of the country’s population to drive sustainable development and address the challenges it faces.
On the issue of capital flight and brain drain from Africa, Bio has called on Africans who have acquired knowledge and skills abroad to return to their home countries and contribute to the development of their societies. He stresses that Africa must take ownership of its future, asserting that “home is home,” and it is up to Africans to fix the challenges their continent faces.
Through his leadership, Bio is working to ensure that Sierra Leone not only plays a significant role in global peace and security but also becomes a beacon of progress, gender equality, and climate action in Africa. His advocacy for UNSC reform reflects his broader vision for a more just and inclusive international order, where Africa is not only heard but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of global governance.