By: Mohamed Massaquoi
The Republic of Sierra Leone on Thursday, 25th February, 2021 signed a joint statement with the Russian Federation, underscoring that the two countries will not be the first to place weapons of any kind in outer space as it is against the principles enshrined in Article 2 of the United Nations Charter.
The joint statement signed by Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, His Excellency Alie Kabba and his Russian counterpart, His Excellency Vasily Nebenzia noted that their respective countries will make all possible efforts to prevent outer space from becoming an arena for military confrontation.
The joint statement reiterates that “Outer space activity is an important factor of social, economic, scientific and ecological development of states as well as their role in maintaining national and global security. We believe that outer space should be used in compliance with international laws for the benefit of all nations, regardless of the level of economic, scientific or technological development. We also want to refrain from threat or use of force, including outer space activities and proceed from the assumption that all states will strictly adhere to that policy,”.
It further emphasizes that achievement of an international treaty preventing arms race in outer space as well as banning the placement or use of weapons is a priority for the international community.
“We want to prevent outer space from becoming an arena for military confrontation and to commit to the principle enshrined in Article 2 of the United Nations Charter. We want to call on space-faring nations to follow our good example,” the statement concluded.