By Mohamed Massaquoi
On February 20, 2024, the United Nations Security Council convened to discuss the Middle East-Palestine question. H.E. Dr. Michael Imran Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the UN, delivered an explanation of vote, urging immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Sierra Leone expressed support for Algeria’s efforts to facilitate a resolution leading to an immediate ceasefire and thanked the Algerian delegation for their reasonable, transparent and inclusive process. The country emphasized the need for swift action, citing the dire humanitarian situation and the Secretary-General’s call for an immediate ceasefire under Article 99 of the UN Charter.
While acknowledging ongoing diplomatic efforts, Sierra Leone stressed that time is of the essence, and the suffering Palestinian people cannot afford delays. The country commended the UN General Assembly and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for their prompt action and called on the Security Council to act decisively and timely.
Sierra Leone’s Representative to the Security Council emphasized that the absence of prima facie change in the perilous humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the ongoing hostage situation necessitates immediate action by the Security Council. They urged the adoption of a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, release of hostages, and full humanitarian access to deliver aid in Gaza.
In conclusion, Sierra Leone called for urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and end the fighting in Gaza, emphasizing that the Security Council’s failure to act would extinguish hope and undermine its mandate.