By: James Kamara-Manneh
In a landmark event held in Freetown, President Julius Maada Bio delivered the keynote address at the ECOWAS Regional Conference on the Peace and Security Aspect of Autonomous Weapons Systems. The conference, themed “Peace and Security Aspect of Autonomous Weapons System: an ECOWAS Perspective on a Path towards the Negotiation Process of a Legally Binding Instrument,” convened on Wednesday, 17th April 2024, marking the first African regional gathering on this critical issue.
His Excellency, along with distinguished delegates including Ministers and Deputy-Ministers of Governments, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corp, and representatives of Non-State Actors, emphasized the urgency and significance of addressing the challenges posed by Autonomous Weapons Systems. These systems, heralded for their technological advancement, raise complex ethical, legal, and security concerns that demand immediate attention.
Sierra Leone, having played a pivotal role in drafting UN General Assembly Resolution 78/241 on Autonomous Weapons, expressed its commitment to addressing these challenges urgently. The nation’s active engagement in international forums and its adherence to agreements like the Arms Trade Treaty underscore its dedication to global security and peace.
President Bio emphasized ECOWAS’s role in fostering regional governance and security, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility in addressing emerging threats. The proliferation of Autonomous Weapons Systems, if left unchecked, could destabilize regions and undermine global security, particularly in fragile societies.
The conference aimed to set the agenda for global discourse on establishing a legally binding instrument to regulate the use of Autonomous Weapons Systems. President Bio urged stakeholders to engage in open and constructive dialogue, embracing diverse perspectives to shape a collective approach to this pressing issue.
Sierra Leone’s initiative to convene this regional meeting reflects its commitment to amplifying ECOWAS’s voice in shaping global norms. The conference sought to critically assess the implications of Autonomous Weapons Systems for the region and forge a unified regional position aligned with international humanitarian organizations’ calls.
The President acknowledged the efforts of Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission in Geneva and the invaluable contribution of civil society partners like the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law in organizing the conference.
As delegates engage in two days of deliberations, President Bio urged them to ensure their discussions are informed by the profound stakes involved and their collective responsibility to influence the development of norms that address emerging challenges while harnessing the potential for positive change.
The conference concluded with an invitation for delegates to explore Freetown and experience the hospitality of its people. President Bio expressed gratitude to all participants and wished them fruitful discussions, emphasizing the importance of addressing this critical issue for the collective well-being of the region and beyond.
Stay tuned for further updates on the outcomes of the ECOWAS Regional Conference on Autonomous Weapons Systems as leaders converge to shape the future of global security.