President Bio Discusses Sierra Leone’s UN Security Council Role
By:John Lamin Alpha
On July 23, 2024, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio held a face-to-face meeting with citizens at the Bintumani Conference Centre, organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. This meeting came just six days before Sierra Leone’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council, marking a significant milestone for the nation in global diplomacy.
Sierra Leone will assume leadership of the UN Security Council for the second time starting in August 2024, a notable achievement given that the country last held this position 53 years ago.
In his address, President Bio emphasized the challenges some nations face in securing a seat on the Security Council and underscored his own commitment to effective leadership. He humorously remarked that he had “washed his hands” and was now ready to “dine with kings.”
President Bio highlighted that 188 countries voted for Sierra Leone’s seat on the Security Council, recognising the country’s growth and capability. Reflecting on past experiences, he noted that Sierra Leone was once a recipient of the Security Council’s decisions but is now poised to influence global peace and security discussions, addressing critical issues from Gaza and Israel to Ukraine and Russia.
