UNITED NATIONS: Africa “cannot wait any longer” to gain seats on the world body’s security council, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has said.

Chairing a meeting of the council on Monday, Mr Bio pressed a long-standing demand for African countries to receive more seats, including two permanent places with veto powers.

“The time for half-measures and incremental progress is over. Africa must be heard and its demands for justice and equity must be met,” he said.