President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has embarked on a journey to Oyala, Equatorial Guinea, to participate in the 5th African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State (C-10) Summit. This summit, scheduled for November 23-24, will scrutinize the evolving global momentum for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform, strategically positioning Africa for potential outcomes.

In his role as Coordinator for the Common African Position on UNSC reform and as the summit's Chair, President Bio will be a key figure in the discussions. The C-10 Heads of State and Government will explore how to effectively leverage the Common African Position as a negotiating framework to formulate a practical roadmap for UNSC reform aligned with Africa’s best interests.

Established in 2005, the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government (C-10) advocates for the Common African Position on UNSC reform, as outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring Africa's voice is heard and its interests are considered in the ongoing UNSC reform process.

The ongoing UNSC reform, initiated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2009, involves Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN). The current UNSC structure consists of five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members. Africa, represented by Mozambique, Gabon, and Ghana, has actively called for reforms, seeking a more inclusive body that reflects regional balance and equal representation. The C-10 Summit serves as a platform for these nations to collectively advance their agenda and advocate for a more equitable representation for Africa on the global stage.