President Bio Pushes for Timely Decisions to Prevent Global Conflicts
President Julius Maada Bio has urged world leaders to prioritise dialogue, diplomacy and early intervention to prevent conflicts, warning that delayed action continues to expose millions of people to the devastating consequences of war.
President Bio made the call while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Geneva Peace Forum 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, on 12 October, under the theme “Choose Peace.”
In his address, the President highlighted ongoing conflicts in Sudan, the Sahel, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Middle East and Ukraine, noting that millions of people continue to suffer the consequences of violence and instability.
He stressed the need for the international community to move beyond managing the aftermath of wars and demonstrate greater commitment to addressing the root causes of conflicts before they escalate.
Drawing on his experience as a former military officer, President Bio emphasised the importance of timely decisions and peaceful approaches to resolving disputes. He urged world leaders to place greater emphasis on conflict prevention rather than responding only after violence has occurred.
As Chairman of the Committee of Ten (C10) on United Nations Security Council reform, President Bio also underscored the importance of African participation in international discussions on peace, security, sovereignty and cooperation.
He summarised his message to world leaders with a call to “Choose peace, and choose it early.”
Meanwhile, First Lady Fatima Bio expressed pride in accompanying the President to the forum, highlighting the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect in promoting lasting global stability.
Reflecting on the event, the First Lady said peace goes beyond the absence of conflict and requires courage, wisdom and collective action.
She also highlighted the President’s military background, noting that his understanding of the cost of conflict informs his advocacy for peaceful coexistence and international cooperation.
The First Lady urged the international community to choose dialogue over division, understanding over hostility and diplomacy over confrontation, stressing the need to protect humanity and future generations from the devastating effects of war.
The forum provides a platform for discussions on peacebuilding and conflict prevention, with President Bio’s address highlighting the need for stronger international cooperation and timely action to address the root causes of conflicts.
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