Sisi, Bio push for African security council seat
In a significant move to bolster African unity and address pressing regional challenges, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio convened at Ittihadiya Palace on Thursday, culminating in a joint press conference that underscored their shared vision for a stable and prosperous Africa.
Central to their discussions was the imperative to safeguard national sovereignty and promote stability within the Horn of Africa. The leaders articulated a unified stance on the importance of respecting territorial integrity and fostering peaceful resolutions to regional conflicts.
A key highlight of the press conference was the renewed call for a permanent African seat on the United Nations Security Council. Both presidents emphasized the necessity of amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage, advocating for a reformed international order that reflects the continent’s growing influence. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration as frameworks for achieving African unity and representation.
President Sisi reiterated Egypt’s unwavering support for stability in West Africa and the Sahel region, acknowledging the complex security landscape marked by terrorism and socio-economic vulnerabilities. He advocated for a comprehensive approach to counterterrorism, stressing the need to address the root causes of instability through sustainable economic development and social empowerment.
Addressing the critical issue of Nile water security, President Sisi reaffirmed its paramount importance to Egypt’s national survival. He called for enhanced cooperation among Nile Basin countries to ensure equitable and sustainable utilization of the shared resource, emphasizing the mutual benefits of collaborative water management.
The leaders also expressed deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They jointly called for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, the resumption of peace negotiations, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Beyond political and security matters, the bilateral discussions focused on strengthening economic and development ties. Presidents Sisi and Bio pledged to expand cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure development, irrigation, fisheries, and food security. They committed to fostering a robust economic partnership that facilitates increased trade and investment between Egypt and Sierra Leone, contributing to the sustainable development of both nations.
