By Mitchel Bah
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation (MFAIC), Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba,/recently thrilled audience during the Ambassadorial Retreat of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) Heads of State, held at the Conference Hall of the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) on Tower Hill, Freetown.
The Ambassadorial Retreat of C-10 brought together dignitaries including, but not limited to the Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of Algeria to the United Nations, His Excellency Mr Toufik Faid Koudri; Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the African Union, His Excellency Harold Bundu Saffa; Permanent Representative of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to the African Union, His Excellency Mohamed Khaled; Permanent Representative of the State of Libya to the African Union, His Excellency A.M.Lino; Permanent Representative of the Republic of Zambia to the African Union, Her Excellency Rose Kashembe Mukoboto Sakala; Permanent Representative of the Republic of Senegal, His Excellency Mohamed Lamine Thiaw; the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Namibia to the African union, His Excellency Mbapeua Muvangua;and the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the African Union, His Excellency George M.Orina.
The Director of Protocol who doubled as Chairperson of the occasion, Madam Rakie Macarthy welcomed participants and extended her warmest greetings to them for their presence and commitment, adding that the retreat was not only going to offer the opportunity to reflect on their strategic priorities but also to reinforce the unity of purpose that defines the C-10’s mandate. She furthered that the retreat was not just a moment for introspection, but a clarion call to re-energize the diplomatic machinery and strengthen the coordination in speaking with one voice on the global stage.
Addressing his audience, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation (MFAC), Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, welcomed participants and expressed thanks and appreciation to the Permanent Representatives of the C-10 for what he considered as hard work and commitment to canvassing, advancing and defending the Common African Position (CAP), and commended the C-10 Permanent Representatives in New York for their outstanding role in the IGN process. He further urged all Permanent Representatives to reflect deeply and be constructively on the discussions with a view to shaping a robust outcome document that must contain clear actionable and time-bound recommendations.
Alhaji Timothy Kabba reiterated Sierra Leone’s steadfastness in her commitment to a reformed and more representative Security Council, one that reflects the current geopolitical realities, and in which Africa must remain united and must continue to speak with one voice.
The Minister also urged the Ambassadors to remain focused on the overarching objectives of the Retreat, which include: developing an Aid-Memoire to guide the engagements with P-5, other UN Member States, and interest groups within the IGN process.
“I thank the C-10 Member States for your unwavering commitment to the advancement of the shared continental interests; and entreat you to do justice to the aims and objectives of the Ambassadorial Retreat, and provide actionable recommendations for deliberation and endorsement at the next C-10 Meeting,” Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba concluded.
Delivering the keynote address, the President who is also the Coordinator of the C-10, His Excellency President Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio, on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, warmly welcomed the delegates to Freetown and officially declared the retreat open.
President Bio further expressed thanks and appreciation to the delegates for honouring what he considered as their collective responsibility to advance Africa’s interests on the global stage. He pointed out that the retreat was not merely an administrative gathering, but a profound moment of reflection, of unity, and of renewed commitment to a cause that is not only African, but truly global. President Bio further urged Permanent Representatives to consolidate, harmonize, and energize their collective efforts, with a clear plan of action and a renewed consensus on the way forward.
President Bio also heartily commended the African Union Member States, in particular, the C-10 Heads of States and Government, for their relentless commitment to canvassing, promoting and advancing the Common African Position, as well as for upholding its exactness; and encouraged them to redouble their efforts and commitments to redress the persistent historical injustice done to Africa.
On his part, the unwavering direction of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, His Excellency Michael Imran Kanu, stood at the heart of success of the C-10 retreat, as his exceptional leadership helped guide the deliberations to a fruitful conclusion.
His Excellency Michael Imran Kanu presided over sessions that were not only rich in substance but also demonstrative of Africa’s renewed commitment to speak with one voice on global governance; and his diplomatic acumen and ability to foster consensus among diverse perspectives were evident throughout the retreat.
The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations created an atmosphere of mutual respect, transparency, and forward-looking dialogue, and empowered delegates to engage deeply with the task at hand, refining strategies, reinforcing solidarity, and reenergizing Africa’s call for equitable representation in global decision-making bodies.
Giving the final courtesy, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation, Madam Francess Piagie Alghali, expressed thanks and sincere appreciation to the distinguished ambassadors and representatives of the C-10 countries for their active participation, valuable insights, and the spirit of African unity and solidarity that they demonstrated throughout the deliberations, adding that their commitment to the Common African Position on the reform of the United Nations Security Council would continue to inspire the collective resolve and advocacy on the global stage.
She further commended President Bio, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, panelists, and facilitators for what she described as thought-provoking contributions, which enriched understanding and deepened their shared vision for Africa’s rightful place in international governance.
It could be recalled that the retreat was held as part of implementation of the Oyala Plan of Action, which was endorsed by the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in February 2024, in the wake of the Consultative Summit of the C- 10 Heads of State and Government held in Oyala, Equatorial Guinea, in November 2023. The Oyala Summit was a turning point, which reaffirmed the shared resolve to move from rhetoric to action, to pursue with clarity and purpose the full realization of the Common African Position (CAP) on the UN Security Council reform, as articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, adopted 20 years ago.
Speaking to this press on condition of anonymity, a staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation lavished praises on the Minister, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, describing him as an astute leader and a humble servant who always bends over backwards to ensure the happiness of staff and others, adding that he has distinguished himself in society, especially within the President Bio’s led administration through service, selflessness and other outstanding contributions that have positively impacted the lives of many. The staff waxed lyrical about Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, stressing that his appointments by President Bio to serve in various ministries did not come by some dint of luck but could be seen as a fitting tribute to his competence and years of devoted work. The staff maintained that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation has won plaudits from many quarters, describing him as a generous, credible and trustworthy leader whose exemplary performance has become the beacon of hope for a good number of Sierra Leoneans.
Meanwhile, observers have showered praises on the Ag Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Allan C. E. Logan for what they considered asoutstanding leadership exhibited throughout the retreat, adding that leaders like him will continue to inspire confidence, coordination, and credibility in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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