By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
On the evening of August 12th, 2024, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone hosted an informal dinner for members of the United Nations Security Council and the C-10, a group of African Union member states. This gathering marked a significant moment during Sierra Leone’s presidency of the UN Security Council, a role the country has undertaken with a unique perspective as a nation that transitioned from a devastating civil war to lasting peace with the support of the United Nations.
The event was graced by the presence of a special guest, Amina J. Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. In his remarks, President Bio expressed his gratitude to Madam Mohammed, describing her as a “dear sister” and underscoring the importance of her participation in the proceedings.
Sierra Leone’s experience in navigating the path from conflict to stability has lent the country a valuable vantage point during its presidency of the Security Council. As President Bio stated, “Sierra Leone brings to the Presidency a unique experience as a country which transitioned from a devastating civil war to peace with the support of the United Nations.”
This dinner gathering provided an opportunity for the Security Council members and the C-10 representatives to engage in informal discussions and exchange perspectives on the critical issues facing the African continent and the global community. By hosting this event, President Bio has demonstrated Sierra Leone’s commitment to leveraging its leadership role to amplify the voices and concerns of African nations on the international stage.
The presence of the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, further underscores the significance of Sierra Leone’s presidency and the country’s efforts to strengthen the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in addressing pressing regional and global challenges.
As Sierra Leone continues to navigate its presidency of the UN Security Council, this informal dinner gathering serves as a testament to the country’s determination to draw upon its own hard-won experience in fostering lasting peace and stability, and to contribute constructively to the deliberations and decision-making processes of the international community.
