By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has renewed Africa’s call for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), describing the continent’s demand as “a matter of fairness, not charity.”

Speaking at the Sixth African Union (AU) Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government (C-10) Summit, held virtually on Friday 25 July 2025, President Bio stressed that Africa’s exclusion from the Council’s permanent membership is no longer acceptable.

“As a continent historically excluded from the highest decision-making body on global peace and security, our call is not for charity but for fairness. Africa will no longer accept marginalization. The time to act is now,” he said.

President Bio, who serves as C-10 Coordinator, reviewed key milestones since the Fifth C-10 Summit in Equatorial Guinea and the adoption of the Oyala Plan of Action in February 2024. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s presidency of the UN Security Council in August 2024, during which the Council held its first-ever high-level debate on Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership.

Outlining the next phase of C-10’s advocacy, the President reaffirmed Africa’s demand for at least two permanent seats with all rights and privileges, including the veto if it remains as well as two additional non-permanent seats for the continent.

“These are not symbolic developments; they are signals that the world is finally listening,” he noted, citing growing international support, including the UN Pact for the Future and direct ministerial-level engagement with the P5 during the 79th UN General Assembly.

President Bio emphasized the need for unity, strategic messaging and intensified diplomatic engagement ahead of the 80th UN General Assembly and the 20th anniversary of the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration in September 2025.

“We must align our messaging, mobilize our partners and continue to press for Africa’s rightful place in global governance. Our inclusion is not just a matter of justice; it enhances the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Security Council itself,” he said.

The summit concluded with a reaffirmed commitment by C-10 leaders to push the Common African Position, ensuring Africa’s voice remains central in ongoing global peace and security reforms. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/the-time-to-act-is-now-president-bio-demands-permanent-un-security-council-seats-for-africa/