Summit remarks · 21 September 2025
Your Excellency, Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chair of C-10, Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Chairperson of the African Union, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I commend His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Coordinator of the Committee of Ten (C-10), for his dedicated leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing Africa’s voice in the reform agenda of the United Nations Security Council.
I also commend our ministers and Permanent Representatives in Addis Ababa and New York, whose tireless efforts have kept Africa’s Common Position at the center of global deliberations.
Excellencies, as we mark the 20th anniversary of the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration - milestones that established the Common African Position on Security Council reform - alongside the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we are called to reflect on our long and determined journey toward a just, representative, and effective international order.
I urge us to move forward with clarity and purpose on three urgent priorities: a.
First, we must amplify Africa’s voice in every forum, carrying this agenda into all bilateral, regional, and multilateral engagements so that Africa’s message resonates in every forum. b.
Second, as the world questions whether the United Nations remains fit for purpose, we must insist that Africa’s continued exclusion is indefensible. At 80, the UN’s credibility will be judged by whether it finally delivers justice and representation for Africa. c.
Third, we must stand united in defending the Common African Position. To deviate from or dilute it would betray the trust of our people. Unity is our greatest strength, and in one voice we must uphold this position unwaveringly.
Excellencies, Africa carries a disproportionate share of the Security Council’s agenda and is among the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping. Yet we remain the only continent without permanent representation. This historic injustice must end—the time to act is now.
Beyond asserting our right, we must be clear about what we seek and how to achieve it. Securing Africa’s rightful seats is our firm demand, but we must also be prepared to shoulder the responsibilities that come with permanent membership, including how we will choose our representatives.
This is a delicate and complex undertaking, but also an opportunity to show Africa’s maturity, cohesion, and vision for an effective international order.
We must therefore begin this essential conversation now. Only then will Africa be taken seriously, and only then can our collective aspirations translate into meaningful global influence.
As Heads of State and Government, we have made a solemn commitment. Our unity is the guarantee of progress, and our shared determination the safeguard against delay.
Kenya reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Common African Position. We stand ready to work with all C-10 members, the African Union, and the broader UN membership to ensure Africa’s demands are no longer deferred. I thank you.