Opening Remarks of
H.E. Dr Michael Imran Kanu who chaired the UN Security Council Arria-Formula Meeting on the GLOBAL RACE FOR CRITICAL MINERALS: ADDRESSING RESOURCE DRIVEN INSECURITY IN AFRICA, Convened by Sierra Leone.
CHAIR’S OPENING REMARKS
Good afternoon, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of Sierra Leone, and our esteemed co-sponsors, Council member Guyana; and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia, both incoming members of the Security Council, I have the honour to welcome you to this Arria-formula meeting on “The Global Race for Critical Minerals: Addressing Resource-Driven Insecurity in Africa.”
This meeting emerges from deep and shared concern about the persistent and growing threats posed by the illicit exploitation and trafficking of natural resources in Africa, threats that undermine peace, security, and development on the continent.
As conveyed in the concept note, the illicit and unregulated extraction and trade of natural minerals have far-reaching consequences: they sustain armed groups, undermine state authority, drive displacement of indigenous communities, degrade the environment, and fuel widespread human rights abuses, including child and forced labour.
The United Nations Security Council has repeatedly acknowledged the link between resource trafficking and conflict. The Secretary-General has equally emphasized the urgency of addressing resource-driven instability, urging
Member States and corporations to uphold the recommendations of the UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals and place justice, equity, and human rights at the heart of mineral governance.
Today’s meeting aims to bridge the gap between these high-level calls and implementation on the ground. We must examine the efficacy of existing mechanisms, such as the Kimberley Process, the ICGLR’s Regional Certification
Mechanism, EITI, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance and the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative, and explore how we can collectively enhance traceability, accountability, and benefit-sharing across the entire value chain.
We welcome an open and practical dialogue that generates forward-looking and actionable recommendations. Let us recommit to ensuring that Africa’s mineral wealth becomes a driver of sustainable peace and inclusive development, rather than a source of violence and injustice.”
Notable Briefings were provided by:
1. Mr. Tunde Arisekola, African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), African Union
2. Mr. Bojun Tang, Executive Secretary, Kimberley Process Secretariat
3. Dr Emmanuel Makumba Mali, Director for Democracy and Good Governance, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR)
4. Mr. Mark Robinson, Executive Director, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)
5. Mr. Mickaël Daudin, Programme Manager, ITSCI
Also read Sierra Leone National Statement here: https://slmissionun.gov.sl/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sierra-Leone-Statement-FINAL-Arria-formula-ECOSOC-7.9.25-1.pdf
