Sierra Leone has a chance to make history. The United Nations has called for a woman to lead as Secretary-General after Antonio Guterres, and our nation can answer that call by putting forward one of its most accomplished and respected leaders, Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura. This is not just an opportunity to elevate Sierra Leone on the world stage. It is a chance to show the world the talent, courage, and integrity our country can offer.
The call for a woman to assume the top position at the United Nations is a historic moment. For decades, women have been underrepresented in global leadership despite being central to peacebuilding, diplomacy, and social progress. The United Nations recognizes the need for fresh perspectives, inclusive leadership, and a voice that reflects the realities of millions of people worldwide. Sierra Leone has the opportunity to answer that call decisively. By putting forward Mrs. Bangura, the country can ensure that this leadership is not only symbolic but transformative, rooted in real experience and a lifetime of service to humanity.
Mrs. Bangura’s career is defined by her dedication to human rights, development, and the fight against inequality. She has served as Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health and Sanitation, Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, and most recently as the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict. In every role, she has shown an unwavering commitment to justice, a rare blend of courage and diplomacy, and the ability to confront complex global challenges with intelligence and compassion. These are precisely the qualities the world needs in the next Secretary-General.
President Julius Maada Bio now has a unique opportunity. The nation needs leadership that prioritizes its reputation, legacy, and contribution to global governance above politics or personal ambition. Nominating Mrs. Bangura would send a strong message that Sierra Leone is committed to excellence, gender equality, and principled leadership. It would demonstrate to the world that our country is ready to shape history, not merely witness it. This is a moment for decisive action, a moment for Sierra Leone to step forward with confidence and clarity.
Sierra Leone has a long history of contributing to global peace and security. From its engagement in United Nations peacekeeping missions to producing leaders whose influence extends far beyond our borders, our nation has consistently shown that it can influence global affairs. Supporting Mrs. Bangura for UN Secretary-General is a natural continuation of that legacy. It would show that Sierra Leone does not only participate in international discussions but actively leads and sets standards for the world to follow.
Globally, there is a growing consensus that the next United Nations Secretary-General should be a woman. This is an acknowledgment of the untapped potential, perspective, and leadership women bring to diplomacy and governance. It is also a reflection of the urgent need for inclusive and representative decision-making at the highest levels. Mrs. Bangura is uniquely positioned to answer that call. Her experience in addressing human rights violations, her expertise in social policy, and her ability to navigate complex international environments make her the ideal candidate. Supporting her candidacy is not only a win for Sierra Leone but a win for global governance.
The nomination of Mrs. Bangura would be a signal of Sierra Leone’s seriousness about leadership, integrity, and vision. It would demonstrate that our country recognizes talent, merit, and the importance of putting national interest and global responsibility above partisan politics or personal gain. This nomination would also inspire a generation of young Sierra Leoneans, particularly girls, showing them that leadership at the highest levels is possible and that their voices and abilities are valued and recognized worldwide.
It is crucial to understand the stakes. Leadership at the United Nations is not just a ceremonial position. The Secretary-General shapes international policy, mediates conflicts, and sets agendas that impact billions of people. Sierra Leone has the chance to place a person of proven capability in this role, someone who can represent African interests, amplify the concerns of the global south, and ensure that human rights and justice are at the center of international action. Mrs. Bangura embodies these qualities, and her nomination would be a historic achievement for both Sierra Leone and the African continent.
President Bio’s decision will define his legacy as a leader who places Sierra Leone first. Choosing Mrs. Bangura is a choice that transcends politics. It is a decision about vision, national pride, and the moral authority of our country on the world stage. It is an opportunity to show that Sierra Leone values competence, integrity, and courage above convenience or political expedience. By supporting her candidacy, Sierra Leone can demonstrate that it not only has leaders who can serve at the highest levels but also the foresight to recognize and elevate them.
The world is watching. Countries are evaluating potential candidates, and the United Nations is increasingly vocal about the need for a woman to succeed Antonio Guterres. Sierra Leone has a candidate ready to rise to this historic challenge. Mrs. Bangura has the expertise, credibility, and global recognition to make a difference immediately. She can navigate complex international crises, advocate for marginalized communities, and bring innovative solutions to global challenges. This is a chance for Sierra Leone to be remembered not just for its history of resilience but for its boldness in shaping the future.
It is also an opportunity to redefine Africa’s place in global leadership. Too often, African nations are seen as participants rather than shapers of international policy. By nominating Mrs. Bangura, Sierra Leone would signal that Africa has leaders capable of guiding the world, tackling the most pressing issues of our time, and advancing justice and equality. Her leadership at the UN would serve as a platform to address systemic inequalities, climate change, conflict resolution, and human development from an African perspective that is deeply informed and globally relevant.
Sierra Leone cannot afford to let this moment pass. The nomination of Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura is not just a personal achievement; it is a national milestone. It would honor the sacrifices, determination, and vision of generations of Sierra Leoneans who have worked tirelessly to place our country on the global map. It is an opportunity for President Bio to put Sierra Leone above all else, to champion a leader who embodies the country’s best qualities, and to make a bold statement about our role in shaping the world.
The moment is here. Sierra Leone must rise to the occasion, champion its leaders, and make history. Mrs. Bangura is ready, and the world is waiting. It is time for our country to act decisively, to seize this historic opportunity, and to ensure that Sierra Leone is represented by a leader whose courage, intellect, and integrity reflect the very best of our nation. Mrs. Bangura is the candidate who can make us proud, and Sierra Leone must not let this moment slip away.
