Security Council Press Encounter

STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. TIMOTHY MUSA KABBA, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OF SIERRA LEONE

Good morning, members of the Press.

1. I am truly delighted to engage with you once again, and I thank you for taking the time to attend this press stakeout.
2. As you know, Sierra Leone has had the honor of serving on the United Nations Security Council for the past year. We came into the Security Council based on our experience, prioritizing conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, as well as advancing key issues such as Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS), counter-terrorism, particularly in the Sahel and West Africa, climate and food security, accountability, Small Arms and Light Weapons control, and Security Council reform.
3. Sierra Leone has worked tirelessly to mainstream these issues, especially those affecting the African continent, placing them at the forefront of the Council’s agenda while responding to emerging crises and current world events within the Council’s mandate.
4. In line with our unwavering commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations Charter, we have worked to reinforce the Security Council’s role in conflict prevention and resolution. We co-signed shared commitments on Women, Peace, and Security; Climate, Peace, and Security; and we initiated the Joint Action Agenda for implementing the UN Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace.
5. We have also consistently called for ceasefires in conflict situations such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, while advocating for respect for international law, humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. We have supported efforts to ensure unhindered humanitarian aid delivery to at-risk populations in conflict situations.
6. A key milestone in our tenure was the historic convening of the first-ever debate on the structural reform of the Security Council during Sierra Leone’s Presidency in August 2024, presided over by His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. The debate, which addressed Africa’s historic underrepresentation in the Council, received widespread support, including the endorsement of Africa’s call for two permanent seats in the Security Council.
7. Sierra Leone has also worked within the A3 Plus Mechanism to strengthen Africa’s voice and representation within the Council, highlighting African issues. In what has been a particularly difficult year, the effectiveness of the Council was bolstered by the united stance of the elected members, the E-10.
8. After one year in the Council, despite the challenges of the global situation, Sierra Leone has remained a voice of reason, balance, and objectivity. As a small State, we have consistently advocated for respect for international law, the UN Charter, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. This has been reflected in our statements on issues such as the conflicts in Gaza, the broader Middle East region, and ongoing crises in Ukraine, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), among others.
9. Looking back on some of the critical issues we faced in 2024:
10. Gaza: We welcome the recent ceasefire deal brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar between Israel and Hamas. We continue to support the Secretary-General’s efforts and those of UN agencies, including UNRWA, in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. We remain committed to the call for the unconditional release of hostages and continue to emphasize the importance of accountability and the pursuit of the ‘two-state solution.’
11. Ukraine: Sierra Leone has consistently expressed the need for the territorial integrity of Ukraine to be respected within its internationally recognized borders. It is now time to seriously pursue dialogue and work toward a peaceful resolution.
12. Sudan: We have focused on the need for a comprehensive approach to the conflict, including cessation of hostilities, political transition, and addressing the dire humanitarian situation. We co-penned a resolution on the protection of civilians with the United Kingdom, which unfortunately could not be adopted due to a veto by a permanent member. We will continue to work with the A3+ members on the next steps.
13. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): Sierra Leone led the 1533 Sanctions Committee visit to the DRC, Angola, Rwanda, and Uganda. We co-penned resolutions with France on the mandate renewal of MONUSCO, sanctions, and enhanced support for the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC) in the DRC. We fully support the Luanda Process and the role of the African Union mediator, His Excellency President João Lourenço of Angola. To further engage on the latest developments on the Luanda Process, Sierra Leone will host an informal working lunch today for UN Security Council members, alongside my counterpart the Minister of External Affairs of Angola.
14. Lebanon: We welcome the ceasefire commitment agreement between Israel and Lebanon and call for the full implementation of Resolution 1701. We strongly condemn attacks on peacekeepers and emphasize the importance of respecting UNIFIL’s mandate. We commend Lebanon’s recent political progress with the election of a new president and appointment of a new prime minister.
15. On West African issues, particularly in the context of UNOWAS, Sierra Leone, together with Switzerland as co-penholders, successfully led negotiations on a Presidential Statement in May 2024, ending a two-and-a-half-year impasse. This focused the Council’s attention on terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel and reinforced the role of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, as well as the good offices of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.

Members of the Press,

16. As we begin 2025, we do so with cautious optimism, driven by positive developments such as the ceasefire deal in Gaza, the ceasefire commitment in Lebanon, and renewed prospects for peace in Syria.

17. Looking ahead, in addition to continuing our work on conflict situations, in particular Sudan, the DRC, and counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel and West Africa, Sierra Leone will focus on several key priorities, particularly during our November Presidency. These include:

• Youth, Peace, and Security
• Climate and Environmental Impact of Conflict
• Small Arms and Light Weapons Control
• Peace and Development in West Africa and the Sahel; and
• Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Global Peace and Security

18. We will also continue our established work on peacebuilding, Security Council reform, Women, Peace, and Security, and food insecurity. In 2024, Sierra Leone shared its unique experience in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. In 2025, we aim to focus on the future, on our youth, climate, and technology.

Thank you for your kind attention. I am now happy to take a couple of questions.