By Mamajah Jalloh | The Watch Newspaper
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess Piagie Alghali, has called for reforms within the United Nations (UN) to ensure fairer representation of African nations in global decision-making.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, 21st October 2025, at the Miatta Conference Centre, Youyi Building in Freetown, Madam Alghali emphasized that Africa must be given an equal voice at the UN, particularly within the Security Council.
“Sierra Leone does not lose sight of the fact that after 80 years of existence, the United Nations needs reform to reflect present-day realities,” she stated. “President Julius Maada Bio continues to champion the call for reform, especially within the Security Council, so that Africa can play a more active role in promoting global peace and security.”
She highlighted Sierra Leone’s long-standing relationship with the United Nations, noting the country’s participation in UN activities and agencies such as UNDP, UNFPA, UNESCO, WFP, and FAO for more than 65 years.
Madam Alghali also praised the UN’s contributions to Sierra Leone’s peace and stability. “Sierra Leone remains one of the UN’s greatest peacekeeping and peacebuilding success stories,” she said. “The UN played a key role in ending our civil war and consolidating the peace we enjoy today.”
She disclosed that Sierra Leone is joining the UN in celebrating its 80th anniversary with a series of activities, including a flag-raising ceremony, quiz competition, symposium, and photo exhibition showcasing 60 years of UN operations in the country. The celebration will conclude with a peace concert at Gigibonta Park.
The Deputy Minister urged Sierra Leoneans to continue supporting the UN’s work. “Even after the 2018 elections, the UN helped calm tensions and strengthen peacebuilding efforts,” she noted, adding that Sierra Leone recently secured a representative position at UNESCO.
Madam Alghali concluded by stressing that Africa must confront the historical injustices that left the continent underrepresented after World War II. “Eighty years on,” she said, “Africa still has not taken its rightful place at the UN Security Council. That must change.”
