Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the UN Security Council

Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 congratulates and welcomes Pakistan 🇵🇰, Somalia 🇸🇴 , Panama 🇵🇦, Denmark 🇩🇰 and Greece🇬🇷  to the start of their two year tenure on the Security Council. We pay tribute to the impactful contributions of Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Ecuador and Switzerland on the conclusion of their tenures. #FlagInstallation2025 #UNSecurityCouncil

Happy New Year! We remain hopeful for a more peaceful 2025. As we embark on our second year as an elected member of the UN Security Council, we invite you to check out key highlights from our first year. #UNSecurityCouncil_SierraLeone #2024

November 25th, 2024 #UN Security Council Statement by Sierra Leone at the Arria-Formula Meeting convened by Russian Federation on the Humanitarian Impact of Unilateral Coercive Measures. Sierra Leone delivered a statement at the Arria-Formula Meeting on the humanitarian impact of unilateral coercive measures. The statement, presented by H.E. Amara S. M. Sowa, Charge d’Affaires a.i. and Deputy Permanent Representative, highlighted the profound and detrimental effects of such measures on vulnerable populations. Ambassador Sowa noted, “The imposition of unilateral coercive measures not only violates international law but also exacerbates the suffering of innocent civilians, particularly women and children, in affected regions.” Sierra Leone emphasized the disproportionate impact on access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid. The statement further underlined the need for international cooperation and adherence to the principles of multilateralism. Ambassador Sowa stressed, “Unilateral actions undermine the collective efforts of the global community to address shared challenges and achieve sustainable development goals.” Sierra Leone called for the immediate lifting of all unilateral coercive measures that impede humanitarian assistance and development efforts. The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of Sierra Leone’s commitment to promoting global solidarity and respect for international law. Read the full statement here: https://bit.ly/4gn80WD @MFAIC_SL @TimKabba #UNSecurityCouncil_SierraLeone

November 25th, 2024 #UN Security Council Statement by Sierra Leone on the Situation in the Middle East – Palestine Question Sierra Leone delivered a statement during today’s Security Council session on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and its broader implications for the Middle East. The statement was presented by H.E. Amara S. M. Sowa, Charge d’Affaires a.i. and Deputy Permanent Representative. Sierra Leone expressed deep concern over the protracted conflict, which has lasted over a year, emphasizing the devastating humanitarian cost. Ambassador Sowa noted, “The principles of humanity, distinction, precaution, and proportionality have not been respected since the start of the conflict, with civilians and civilian objects being deliberately targeted.” The statement highlighted the worsening conditions in the Northern Gaza Strip, where civilians face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Sierra Leone condemned the ongoing violence and reiterated its call for “an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to save lives and pave the way for meaningful diplomatic engagement.” Sierra Leone further called for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas since October 2023 and demanded unimpeded humanitarian access to critical supplies and infrastructure. Ambassador Sowa underscored the need for a political solution, stating, “A long-term settlement of this conflict requires a negotiated agreement and the resumption of diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.” The statement concluded with a call for accountability for violations of international law and adherence to the recent decision of the International Court of Justice on Gaza. Ambassador Sowa affirmed Sierra Leone’s hope for a two-state solution, where “Israel and Palestine can live side by side as neighbors in peace.” Read the full statement here: https://bit.ly/4i2M3h3 @MFAIC_SL @TimKabba #UNSecurityCouncil_SierraLeone

*November 20th, 2024* #UN Security Council Briefing at the Security Council on the Question Concerning Haiti (following the government’s request for assistance in tackling spiraling armed gang violence in the country). The A3 Plus (Sierra Leone , Algeria , Mozambique , and Guyana ) Statement was delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Guyana. Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett expressed the A3 Plus' deep alarm at "the reports of expanding gang violence in Haiti which has worsened living conditions in the country’s capital and neighbouring areas and forced thousands of people to flee their homes." A3 Plus acknowledged the anti-gang efforts of the Haitian National Police (HNP) and The Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSS), but noted their effectiveness was limited, which has provided the backdrop for Haiti's request for assistance. "In view of the prevailing situation, the A3+ supports this request to address the multidimensional security challenges facing Haiti. There is simply no time to lose." Read full statement here: https://bit.ly/4i1tlGr @MFAIC_SL @TimKabba #A3Plus #UNSecurityCouncil_SierraLeone

November 20th, 2024. At the 40th Plenary meeting of its 79th Session, the United Nations General Assembly elected Sierra Leone and 29 other Member States to serve as members of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) for a six-year term from 2025-2031. UNCITRAL is the core legal body of the United Nations system in the field of international trade law with the mandate for the progressive development and harmonization of the law on international trade. During its term, Sierra Leone aims to advance the work of UNCITRAL from the perspective of least developed and developing countries working together with Burundi, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Mauritania, South Africa, Zambia (the other African states elected); towards the aspirations of the continent. https://bit.ly/40XDJsF #UNCITRAL #UNGA79 SierraLeone@UN

November 19th, 2024. At The First Plenary Meeting On The Question Of Equitable Representation On And Increase In The Membership Of The Security Council, Other Matters Related To The Security Council Categories Of Membership and Cross-Regional Representation. The Chargé d’Affaires a.i., H.E. Mr. Amara S. Sowa, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative delivered statement on behalf of the African Group. In his intervention, CDA Sowa stated that for a renewed breath of life to be ingested into the IGN discussions, it is important that member states concentrate on what can be accomplished in practical terms. In that regard, he particularly highlighted the differences in positions, perspectives and views among Member States and interest groups regarding reform models, as well as varied approaches to procedural issues and more significantly also the need to garner the necessary political will. Ambassador Sowa stressed that the proportional representation of Member States in the Security Council has diminished significantly as the overall membership of the United Nations has grown since the last reform in 1965, and that In 1945, when the UN was founded, Africa was largely unrepresented. "Out of 51 Member States, the Security Council comprised only 11 members. This imbalance continued for two decades, even as the UN membership expanded," he said . Further, “Africa’s position is, therefore, that the composition of the Security Council should be democratized to reflect the diversity of the Member States of the United Nations. Africa firmly advocates for a comprehensive reform of the Security Council to secure its rightful and fair representation within an expanded framework. Specifically, regarding the cluster of categories of membership, Africa accordingly proposes an expansion in membership in both categories to a total of no less than 26, with Africa allocated no less than two Permanent seats in the Permanent category with all its privileges and prerogatives, including the right of the veto to redress the continent’s non-representation and, a total of five seats in the Non-Permanent category to address the under-representation in that category. This will correct the existing levels of imbalance, redress the historical injustice, and give more representative legitimacy to the Security Council,". Read full statement here: https://bit.ly/491SNHJ @MFAIC_SL @TimKabba #UNGA

November 19th 2024 At the #UN Security Council Briefing On The Situation In #Libya. Mr. Karim Khan, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) gave an informative briefing and presented the #ICC Prosecutor’s 28th report on the situation in Libya, as mandated by Security Council resolution 1970 (2011). Political Coordinator and Minister Counselor Mr Alan E. George delivered Sierra Leone’s response. Sierra Leone reiterated “its prioritization of accountability as a means to reinforce the protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict, respect for fundamental human rights, and to end impunity for atrocity crimes.” Political Coordinator George acknowledged the Court’s “notable milestones” such as “the unsealing of six arrest warrants related to the crimes that occurred in Tarhunah.” Sierra Leone further commended “improved cooperation between the OTP and the Libyan authorities,” and welcomed “ the enhanced collaboration with civil society organizations”. Sierra Leone also applauded the Office of the Prosecutor for “its commitment to a victim-centered approach, particularly through outreach to affected communities, civil society, and non-governmental organizations.” Our response highlighted support for the Court and the Libyan people, justice, accountability and the principle of complementarity; and unwavering commitment and defense of the Rome Statute. Read Full statement here: https://bit.ly/4fA5uw7 @MFAIC_SL @TimKabba #UNSecurityCouncil_SierraLeone

November 19th, 2024 https://bit.ly/3AMNaRb Security Council Press Statement Anniversary of the Houthis' Unlawful Detention of the Galaxy Leader Crew The members of the Security Council recalled the Houthi attack and seizure of the MV Galaxy Leader on November 19, 2023, and demanded the immediate release of the vessel and its 25 crew members, who have now been unlawfully detained for almost one year. They also condemned in the strongest terms continued Houthi attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. They stressed the important role of the UN targeted arms embargo in curbing risks to the maritime security of vessels along the coast of Yemen. The members further called for continued international involvement in close cooperation with the United Nations and coastal States, as well as with regional and subregional organizations to prevent further escalation with possible multidimensional consequences. The members of the Security Council emphasized the need to prevent further regional spillover of the conflict and its impact on security and stability in the region and beyond. In this regard, they reiterated the necessity to address the root causes contributing to regional tensions and to the disruption of maritime security in the Red Sea and encouraged enhanced diplomatic efforts by all. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the importance of the navigational rights and freedoms of merchant and commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, in accordance with international law.

November 15th, 2024 #UN Security Council Chair of the #Sanctions Committee Commends Angola’s Efforts in DRC Peace Process During his inaugural visit as Chair of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), H.E. Ambassador Dr. Michael Imran Kanu met with H.E. President João Lourenço to discuss Angola’s pivotal role in fostering peace in the DRC. Ambassador Kanu lauded Angola’s leadership in mediating the conflict, particularly highlighting the successful convening of the fifth ministerial meeting on October 15. He emphasized the necessity of adhering to the June 30 agreement and reiterated the Security Council's steadfast commitment to supporting the Luanda and Nairobi Processes. Ambassador Kanu stressed that collaborative and sustained efforts are essential to achieving lasting peace and addressing the root causes of instability in the DRC. https://bit.ly/3YTN2r8 #UNSecurityCouncil_SierraLeone