By: James Kamara-Manneh
In a landmark development at the United Nations Security Council, President Julius Maada Bio has extended commendation to the Council for its recent adoption of the Statement by the President of the Security Council (S/PRST/2024/3) concerning the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). This adoption marks a crucial step forward in addressing the pressing security, humanitarian, political, and socioeconomic challenges faced by the West African subregion.
President Bio, speaking at the General Debate of the High-Level Week during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, emphasized Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to prioritize the West African subregion during its tenure at the Security Council. Recognizing the urgent need for collective action, President Bio pledged to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the region through collaborative efforts within the Council.
The adoption of the presidential statement comes after a protracted three-year period during which the UN Security Council struggled to reach a consensus on supporting the mandate of UNOWAS and acknowledging the pivotal role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). President Bio expressed satisfaction at Sierra Leone’s collaboration with Switzerland, serving as co-pen, which ultimately facilitated the significant adoption of the statement.
In light of this milestone achievement, President Bio has issued directives to Sierra Leone’s Foreign Ministry and its Permanent Mission to the United Nations (@SierraLeoneUN) to sustain and further enhance the country’s engagement within the Security Council. These directives underscore Sierra Leone’s commitment to promoting partnership, multilateralism, and representation as fundamental pillars for advancing global peace and security.
The adoption of the statement by the UN Security Council signals a renewed international commitment to addressing the complex challenges facing West Africa and the Sahel region. With Sierra Leone’s proactive engagement and advocacy, the Council aims to leverage collective action to mitigate security threats, address humanitarian crises, and foster sustainable development across the subregion.
