Maada Bio Highlights Security Council Reform, Critical Minerals and Reparatory Justice at UN
President Julius Maada Bio has renewed Sierra Leone’s calls for reforms to the United Nations Security Council and greater fairness in the management of Africa’s critical mineral resources.
Bio made the remarks during his address to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to a Facebook post he published on Tuesday.
Bio delivered the address in New York on Sept. 22, as world leaders gathered for the high-level segment of the General Assembly’s 81st session. Reuters confirmed Bio’s participation in the General Assembly proceedings.
In the post, Bio said he emphasized the importance of upholding international law while reaffirming Sierra Leone’s continued advocacy for Security Council reform.
He also called for greater fairness in the management of Africa’s critical minerals and highlighted reparatory justice as an unfinished international issue.
The president further emphasized the importance of respecting international law as part of efforts to strengthen the rules-based international system.
Bio raised concerns over the way Africa’s critical minerals are managed, calling for greater fairness in how the continent’s natural resources are developed and their economic value distributed.
The issue comes amid broader international debate over critical minerals, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres separately warning during the opening of the 81st General Assembly that producing countries and affected communities should retain a greater share of the value generated from critical mineral resources.
The president said he used his address to underscore the need for a more equitable approach to global governance and resource management, while maintaining Sierra Leone’s position on reform of the U.N. system.
His remarks on Security Council reform align with Sierra Leone’s longstanding position that the Council should better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. The United Nations continues to conduct intergovernmental negotiations on equitable representation and expansion of the Council.
Bio also paid tribute to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, praising them for what he described as distinguished service and exemplary leadership during their respective tenures.
Bio’s participation in the General Assembly forms part of Sierra Leone’s wider diplomatic engagement during the U.N. high-level week. He arrived in New York ahead of the session and said he intended to use the engagements to advance Sierra Leone’s national interests.
The 81st General Assembly session is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
The president’s remarks come as world leaders gather in New York for the U.N. General Assembly’s high-level week, where issues including international cooperation, development, global governance and Africa’s role in multilateral institutions remain prominent on the agenda.