*” The Security Council Reflects An Outdated World Order”
*”Africa’s Underrepresentation is not an anomaly of statistics, but a profound historical injustice that must be urgently addressed “
Abubakar Hashim, back in Freetown
President Julius Maada Bio , today, 12 August, 2024, delivered a robust speech at the UN Security Council (UNSC) in New York. That was at the debate on maintenance of international peace and security.
He called for urgent reforms of the UNSC, to correct the gross injustices that have long marginalised Africa in the UN.
“ The current imbalance in the UN for nearly 80 years, resulting in lack of permanent seat , undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of the UNSC, especially in Africa’s significant contribution in peacekeeping and conflict resolution in the world”, Bio reasoned.
“ Africa remains the unquestionable victim of historical injustice” , he went on, stating further that the continent is home “to over 1.3 billion people and with 54 countries, making up 25% of the UN total membership, but Africa is grossly underrepresented in the UNSC, the highest decision making organ of the UN .”
He then called for two permanent and two non permanent seats for Africa in the UNSC, “with full veto powers, in view of Africa’s new challenges and aspirations, which are often overlooked at global decision making processes “
“The current structure of the UN reflects an outdated order”, Bio further reasoned, stating that highlights from the AU Committee of 10 (C-10), which he currently chairs, has been in the forefront for Africa’s equitable representation, as outlined in the Ezulwali Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
He concluded by calling for swift and urgent action by the international community to act now for a change or never.
Bio’s strong address today was greeted with standing ovation by colleagues Presidents from Africa.
*Abubakar Hashim is the West Africa Bureau Chief (based in Sierra Leone) of TheNEWS Magazine