Makeni Medical Mission Brings Hope and Healing to Bombali District

By: Alhaji K. Tarawally (Laj-K) Ph.D. Candidate (EUCLID, CAR), M.A. IRD (SIU, Germany), MSc IRD (UoR, UK), BA Hons. (FBC, SL),DIP (FBC) International Trips are a crucial part of the President’s responsibility in promoting the interests of Sierra Leone on the global stage. Therefore, President Bio has embarked on those international engagements for the benefit of Sierra Leone. As a result of these international and diplomatic engagements, Sierra Leone for the second time in its history, is set to become a non-permanent member representative of the United Nations Security Council and the sole nominating representative of the West Africa region on June 6th, 2023.

This is an important milestone for the African continent as it will hold a seat on arguably the most powerful decision-making body at the UN for the 2024-2025 term. The United Nations Security Council holds annual elections to fill in five non-permanent seats. The elections take place in June of each year, and the newly elected members begin their two-year term on January 1st of the following year. The election process involves a vote by the General Assembly, with each member state having one vote and a 2/3 majority being required to secure a seat on the Security Council. The five permanent members of the Security Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) do not participate in the vote. Therefore, the election for the 2023 non-permanent seats of the UN Security Council will be held on the 6th of June 2023 at the UN headquarters in New York The UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security and has the power to impose sanctions and authorise military action. As a non-permanent member, Sierra Leone will have a say in important decision making regarding conflict resolution, peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian intervention. This is not the first time that Sierra Leone has served on the Security Council. The country held a non-permanent seat in 1994-1995 and played an active role in the Council's discussions on issues such as the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia and Somalia. Sierra Leone's election to the Security Council comes at a crucial time for the country and the region. The West African sub-region faces numerous security challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, the ongoing conflict in Mali, and the political crisis in Guinea. As a member of the Security Council, Sierra Leone will have the opportunity to advocate for the region's interests and contribute to efforts in addressing these challenges. Moreover, Sierra Leone has internal challenges, including persistent poverty, high youth unemployment, and a fragile healthcare system. As a non-permanent member of the Security Council, the country will have a platform to raise these issues and advocate for greater international support for its development priorities. Sierra Leone's election to the Security Council is also a testament to the country's progress since the end of its civil war in 2002. The government has made significant strides in rebuilding its institutions, promoting democratic governance, and improving economic growth. Its election to the Security Council is a recognition of these efforts and a validation of Sierra Leone's place in the international community. Sierra Leone, like many other countries, aspires to be a non-permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council to have a voice in matters of global peace and security. As a non-permanent member, Sierra Leone would have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process of the Security Council, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. Sierra Leone's non-permanent member status of the UN Security Council can bring several benefits to the country and the wider international community. Here are some key points: - Representation: Sierra Leone will have a platform to represent and advocate for its national interests and priorities on the global stage. This can also help to enhance the country's visibility and influence in international affairs. Additionally, Being a non-permanent member of the Security Council would also provide Sierra Leone with a platform to raise issues and concerns that are important to the country and the African continent as a whole. - Peace and security: Sierra Leone has experienced a long history of conflict and instability, and as a member of the Security Council, it can contribute to efforts to promote international peace and security. Sierra Leone's own experience of conflict and post-conflict recovery can also provide valuable insights and perspectives to the Council's discussions. It would also allow Sierra Leone to contribute to the development of international law and the shaping of global policy on issues such as conflict prevention, disarmament, and counter-terrorism. - Human rights: Sierra Leone can use its membership to advocate for human rights and protect vulnerable populations. The country has made significant progress in rebuilding its institutions and promoting human rights since the end of its civil war in 2002, and its experience can be helpful to the Council's deliberations on these issues. - Development: As a member of the Security Council, Sierra Leone can highlight the importance of sustainable development and the need for international cooperation to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. - Regional perspective: Sierra Leone's membership can provide a voice for the African continent and the perspectives of small island developing states. This can help to ensure that the Council's decisions take into account the regional and global implications of its actions particularly on climate change. Furthermore, serving on the Security Council would enhance Sierra Leone's international profile and prestige and potentially attract investment and development assistance to the country. Overall, the decision to seek a non-permanent seat on the Security Council is part of Sierra Leone's broader foreign policy objectives of promoting peace and security, economic development and human rights. Overall, Sierra Leone's membership as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council can provide opportunities for the country to contribute to global efforts to promote peace, security, and development while also advancing its national interests and priorities. In conclusion, Sierra Leone's election to the United Nations Security Council is a significant moment for the country and the region. As a non-permanent member, Sierra Leone will have a voice in critical decisions affecting global peace and security and can advocate for its development priorities. It is an opportunity for the country to demonstrate its commitment to promoting international peace and security and to contribute to efforts in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.