BY
ALHAJI MUSA TIMOTHY KABBA
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE
Mr. President,
I wish to thank Slovenia for convening this timely High-Level Open Debate. Let me also thank Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Ms. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Member of The Elders and Former President of Liberia for their very useful and insightful presentations. The UN Security Council, entrusted with the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, must lead by example. Today, as we discuss the theme of “Leadership for Peace: United in Respect of the UN Charter, in Search of a Secure Future,” we must ask ourselves: how did we arrive here, and what steps should we take to restore the peace and stability that people around the world so desperately seek? First, and admittedly, we have to acknowledge that there is a significant erosion of trust in global peace and security discourse. For decades, we have witnessed increasing disregard for the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. In conflicts across the world more recently, including in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and troubling developments in Lebanon, we note a disturbing trend including but not limited to violations of international law, sadly with impunity; humanitarian crises that worsen with every passing day, and a global public looking to this Council for solutions that, all too often, remain elusive. The Geneva Conventions, which have stood the test of time for 75 years, pillars of our shared humanity, are under immense strain. The impunity with which some warring parties act, erodes not only the rule of law but also the very foundation of multilateralism. This body, the Security Council, must reclaim its authority, credibility, relevance and legitimacy.Second, geopolitical competition must not hinder our common goal of peace. Presently, the Security Council faces an unprecedented challenge—an internal one. Increasingly, our deliberations are clouded by geopolitical rivalry, turning the Council from a forum for diplomacy into a battleground for national interests. The stalemate and deadlock that results is damaging not only to our credibility but to the lives of millions of innocent women, men and children. Every moment of disunity sends the wrong signal: it emboldens those who seek to undermine international law, and it leaves the vulnerable without hope. We cannot afford this status quo. Third, peacekeeping and mediation must be revitalized. In recent years, UN peacekeeping operations have faced dwindling support, accelerated withdrawal of peacekeeping missions, and mounting operational challenges. Yet peacekeeping, sanctions, and mediation remain vital tools in our effort to prevent and resolve conflict. We must use them strategically and decisively. We cannot shy away from timely interventions, nor can we afford to let conflicts simmer until they threaten entire regions. In Africa for instance, there are clear examples of countries taking leadership to foster peace not only in conflict situations in Africa but also in other regions of the world. President João Lourenço of Angola leadership in the Luanda Peace Process has been critical in fostering dialogue and seeking peace between the DRC and Rwanda. His efforts have helped bring attention to the conflict in eastern Congo and contributed to regional diplomacy aimed at resolving one of Africa’s most protracted and complex conflicts. While challenges remain, including the enforcement of ceasefires and the withdrawal of armed groups, President Lourenço’s commitment to the peace process continues to be a driving force behind regional stabilization efforts. Additionally, over the past weekend, President Ruto of Kenya paid a visit to Haiti to express solidarity with the Haitian people and commend Kenyan police for collaborating with Haitian forces to bring much needed stability to the country. He announced that 600 additional Kenyan police officers would arrive within the next two months, fulfilling Kenya’s commitment to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, which represents a crucial international effort led by Kenya to address the escalating crisis in Haiti. Furthermore, in an effort to address the rise of terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, H.E. Dr. Julius Maada Bio President of the Republic of Sierra Leone engaged with his Burkinabe counterpart just prior to Sierra Leone’s presidency of the UN Security Council. This engagement was also an effort to mediate on the issue of their withdrawal from ECOWAS. This is how Leadership for Peace can be demonstrated using the tools in Article 33 in the UN Charter to great effect. Mr. President, We are not naïve though to think that we have found a silver bullet as there are still significant challenges in the Sudan and even in the Sahel region of West Africa. Leadership for Peace is thus especially relevant as we converge in search of solutions to the significant and grave global peace and security challenges. The statistics that define our present reality are alarming: the highest number of ongoing conflicts since the Cold War, staggering civilian casualties, and an historic number of displaced persons. The rise of sea levels, environmental degradation, climate change, and water insecurity only serve to exacerbate these risks. It is against this backdrop, that this gathering is more than an opportunity for reflection—it is a call to action. It is in this regard, that we supported the Security Council’s adoption today of the PRST on Leadership for Peace. In this connection, we are also delighted to have called, along with Slovenia and Switzerland, for Joint Action for the New Agenda for Peace during our Presidency of the UNSC in August. Mr. President, At its core, the UN Secretary-General’s “New Agenda for Peace” has provided a useful blueprint for our joint common action, grounded in the principles of trust, solidarity and universality. Our firm commitment is therefore essential to the effective and urgent implementation of the recommendations contained in this document. In a bid to strengthen Leadership for peace we must restore mutual trust and reaffirm our commitment to the UN Charter. The world order established in the aftermath of World War II is in danger, not only because it is outdated, but because its core principles are being ignored. Respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter is not optional—it is the foundation of global peace and security. In addition, reforming the UN Security Council to reflect present day geopolitical realities, particularly African Permanent representation, will not only enhance the legitimacy of the Security Council but will engender more trust and credibility. The calls for Security Council reform are long overdue. It is not just a matter of fairness but a question of justice. To rectify the historical injustice against Africa, we must ensure that Africa has permanent seats on the Council with the full rights and privileges. Only then can we hope for decisions that are truly reflective of our shared interests. Mr. President, To rebuild trust, this Council must act with impartiality, ensuring that its decisions are guided by a commitment to uphold international law, human rights, and the rules of war. We must also ensure that women and youth, so often excluded from peace processes, are brought into the fold of leadership, negotiation, and decision-making. Furthermore, regional organizations such as the African Union must be empowered to reinforce the Council’s efforts. Conflict is often regional in nature, and solutions must also be regional. The Council must work closely with regional organizations, whose understanding of local dynamics is crucial for conflict resolution. Cooperation between the United Nations and these bodies will amplify our collective efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace. The effective implementation of Resolution 2719 on financing for AU-led peace operations is thus crucial in this regard. In conclusion, we must reflect on our collective responsibility. We cannot allow the disregard for international law, the escalation of conflicts, and the suffering of civilians to become the status quo. The Security Council has the mandate and the tools to prevent this outcome, but only if we choose unity over division, and decisive action over stalemate. Let today be a turning point—a moment when we recommit ourselves to the principles of the UN Charter, restore the credibility of this Council, and work together for a secure and peaceful future. We owe it to the millions who look to us for leadership in these perilous times. I thank you.
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