Bio Reaffirms Sierra Leone’s Support for Two-State Solution at UN
President Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s support for Palestinian self-determination and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Bio made the statement Tuesday, September 22, 2026, while delivering Sierra Leone’s national statement during the General Debate at the UN headquarters in New York under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
Addressing the Middle East conflict, Bio said international law and the UN Charter should guide efforts to address the crisis, while calling for civilian protection, humanitarian access and an end to aggression and occupation.
“The inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination must be realised through a viable State of Palestine living alongside Israel in peace and security,” he declared.
The statement places Palestinian self-determination and coexistence between Israel and a future Palestinian state at the center of Sierra Leone’s position on the conflict.
Bio made the remarks as the UN continues to confront renewed violence and humanitarian concerns in the Middle East. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his opening address to the General Debate, also called for de-escalation and dialogue and warned that the two-state solution must not be allowed to disappear.
Sierra Leone has previously expressed support for a political settlement based on two states. During its 2024-2025 term on the UN Security Council, the country also stressed the need for a political approach that would allow Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in peace and security.
Bio’s latest remarks place the issue within Sierra Leone’s broader call for international law, multilateral cooperation and diplomacy to remain central to resolving conflicts.
The president also used his UN address to discuss conflicts in Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, reform of the UN Security Council, Africa’s representation in global institutions and the relationship between peace and development.