Sierra Leone, one of 124 United Nations member states, voted against the Israeli Occupation of Palestinian territories in a Wednesday UN resolution described as “historic” by Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour. The resolution demands that Israel end its occupation of the Palestinian Territories within 12 months.
With 124 votes in favour, 14 against, and 43 abstentions, three of the four Mano River countries supported the resolution, with Liberia abstaining and Malawi voting against it.
Taking on the role of the United Nations Security Council Presidency last August, Sierra Leone presided over various global issues, including the Israel-Palestinian conflict, the war in Sudan, and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Sierra Leone has expressed its support for a two-state solution. Foreign Minister Timothy Kabba stated in an interview that the country opposes colonization and supports the inalienable right of people to exist in a sovereign state. Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, reaffirmed this stance.
The resolution calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian Territories, a halt to new settlements, the return of seized land and property, and the possibility of Palestinians returning to their homes.
