By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Joint Assessment Mission of the International Moral Guarantors of the Agreement of National Unity visited President Julius Maada Bio at State House on Thursday October 17, 2024, commending his dedication to fostering peace, stability and national unity in Sierra Leone.
Madam Hawa Samai, Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, led the delegation and outlined the mission’s purpose: to update the President on the assessment of the Agreement of National Unity, which was signed a year ago and to review the tripartite recommendations provided three months prior.
The mission engaged a range of stakeholders, including Security Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, the Diplomatic Community, the Judiciary, Members of Parliament and Political Parties to gather comprehensive insights.
Chief Minister, Dr. David Sengeh, reported that the majority of resolutions from the Agreement on National Unity have been successfully implemented with only a few remaining near completion.
Her Excellency Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, Co-lead of the Joint Assessment Mission and former Vice President of The Gambia, expressed her gratitude to President Bio for his exemplary leadership. She reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to monitoring both the progress made and the challenges encountered in the peace process.
Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang highlighted discussions with Foreign Affairs Minister, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, emphasizing President Bio’s influential role at the United Nations Security Council and his unwavering commitment to peace.
“We were able to meet with all three branches of Government and as international moral guarantors, we are pleased to note their appreciation for your leadership, which has facilitated their independence in performing their duties,” she remarked.
In response, President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the delegation and acknowledged their vital role in the nation’s governance framework, underscoring the importance of maintaining peace and security. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to national cohesion, reflecting on how his wartime experiences inspired him to advocate for global peace. “I believe in dialogue and communication and I thank you all for serving as moral guarantors to this process,” he stated.
The President concluded the meeting by expressing gratitude to the mission for their ongoing commitment to peace consolidation in Sierra Leone and assured them of his Government’s resolve to enhance democracy and promote inclusive governance.
