In August 2024, Sierra Leone assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Images of President Julius Maada Bio chairing a debate on the reform of the Security Council have been broadcast far and wide, sparking feelings of national pride and a sense of arrival on the global stage. But as we celebrate this symbolic achievement, it’s crucial to maintain a clear-eyed perspective on what this presidency truly signifies.
A Seat at the Table, But What Does It Mean?
Leading the Security Council for a month is a significant moment in the spotlight for a small, post-conflict state like Sierra Leone. It provides political and diplomatic visibility that plays well to domestic audiences, who might see this as evidence that the country has transitioned from a war-torn nation to a key player in international affairs. However, this perception, while emotionally gratifying, may be misleading.
In reality, Sierra Leone, like other small state members of the UNSC, lacks the geopolitical influence and diplomatic resources necessary to drive substantial change on the world stage. The UNSC, deeply divided and increasingly criticized for handling global crises, remains largely dominated by the permanent five members (P5) – the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. These powers hold veto authority and control the Council’s most critical decisions.
The Limits of Influence
The UNSC presidency, while prestigious, does not equip Sierra Leone with the tools needed to shape outcomes in any meaningful way. Most sessions are highly formalized, with an emphasis on protocol rather than substantive debate. The P5, with their entrenched interests, often sideline the contributions of non-permanent members, who typically struggle to leave a lasting impact on major issues.
Non-permanent members like Sierra Leone are well aware of their limitations. They understand that challenging the P5 or taking bold stances on contentious issues can lead to diplomatic repercussions, both direct and indirect. As a result, the primary goal for many non-permanent members during their UNSC tenure is to avoid antagonizing the P5 while making the most of the symbolic opportunities the presidency offers.
The Reality of UNSC Reform
One of the key topics during Sierra Leone’s presidency is the reform of the Security Council itself, a subject that has been debated for decades. While this makes for compelling theatre in the UN General Assembly, the reality is that meaningful reform remains unlikely. The P5 have little incentive to dilute their power and consistently pay only lip service to calls for change.
As the coordinator for the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C10) on UNSC reform, Sierra Leone’s role is to advocate for greater representation of African nations on the Council. However, despite the noble intent, the P5’s reaction will likely be the same as it has been for years – polite acknowledgement without any real movement toward reform.
The Practical Challenges
To effectively influence international norms during its presidency, a non-permanent member state needs more than just a seat at the table. It requires an expert diplomatic team, a well-resourced foreign ministry, and the ability to build and sustain coalitions on key issues. Unfortunately, Sierra Leone lacks many of these resources. The country’s diplomatic infrastructure, including its chancery and conference facilities, is underdeveloped, limiting its ability to host significant events or sustain ongoing diplomatic initiatives.
Moreover, attracting the participation of other foreign ministers or heads of state in UNSC debates requires negotiation and convincing them that the issues on the table are worth their time. In most cases, the P5 will send only their permanent representatives unless the topic is critical to their national interests.
A Moment of Reflection
As Sierra Leone enjoys its month in the global spotlight, it’s essential to celebrate this achievement while remaining realistic about what it means. The photo ops, the carefully scripted meetings, and the media coverage are all part of the spectacle, but they should not lead us to believe that Sierra Leone is now a global or regional power. While symbolic, the presidency does not translate into tangible benefits for most Sierra Leone’s citizens, who continue to face significant challenges at home.
In conclusion, while Sierra Leone’s presidency of the UNSC is a moment of pride, it should be viewed as a ceremonial role rather than a position of power. The international system remains heavily skewed in favour of the P5, and the influence of smaller states like Sierra Leone is limited. Let us appreciate the symbolic value of this moment but also remain clear-eyed about the realities of global politics and the limitations that come with them.