By Amin Kef (Ranger)
A high-level joint follow-up mission of International Moral Guarantors overseeing the implementation of Sierra Leone’s National Unity Agreement on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, met with the Executive of the APC Party and also members of the Judiciary as part of a concerted effort to assess the progress made in implementing the National Unity Agreement which was signed on October 18, 2023, between the Government of Sierra Leone and the All People’s Congress (APC) party. The agreement aims to consolidate peace and promote political reconciliation following the country’s post-election disputes. Today they will meet with representatives of political parties at the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) Office in Freetown.
Arriving in Freetown on Monday October 14, 2024, the high-level joint follow-up mission of International Moral Guarantors, overseeing the implementation of Sierra Leone’s National Unity Agreement mission, was facilitated by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) and the Peace Commission. It is co-led by former Gambian Vice President, Her Excellency Fatoumata Jalloh-Tambajang and United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General (UNSRSG), His Excellency Leonardo Santo Simao.
The delegation comprises representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), the African Union (AU) and the Commonwealth. Welcoming the delegation during a courtesy call, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, expressed gratitude on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio and the Government for the timely arrival of the mission. He acknowledged the moral guarantors’ continued support in Sierra Leone’s post-election situation, praising their efforts in conducting “aftercare” for the peace process initiated months ago.
“This mission is a follow-up to the work that led to the signing of the National Unity Agreement and the creation of the Tripartite Committee,” the Foreign Affairs Minister stated. He further emphasized President Bio’s unwavering commitment to national unity, noting that a divided country cannot achieve progress.
The Minister assured the delegation that the Government remains fully committed to implementing the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee, with the goal of enhancing electoral justice and ensuring long-term peace in the country.
Her Excellency Fatoumata Jalloh-Tambajang commended the Government and other stakeholders for their dedication to the peace process, stressing that achieving sustainable peace is a collective responsibility. “We will be engaging various stakeholders, including the media and civil society, to gather their perspectives on the progress made and challenges encountered in implementing the National Unity Agreement,” she stated. Fatoumata Jalloh-Tambajang reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in becoming a beacon of hope for other nations facing similar challenges.
UNSRSG Leonardo Santo Simao lauded the Sierra Leonean people, under the leadership of President Bio, for the progress made in maintaining peace. He emphasized the role of the moral guarantors in encouraging all parties to work together to resolve their differences, stating, “Sierra Leone has the potential to serve as an outstanding example of post-conflict recovery and a thriving democratic state in the region.”
During their visit, the mission will also hold consultations with President Julius Maada Bio, the Chief Minister, other Government Ministers, the APC, other political parties, Members of Parliament, the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), the Security Sector, Civil Society Organizations and the Diplomatic Community. Discussions are focusing on the progress and challenges related to the implementation of the Tripartite Committee’s report and other resolutions from the National Unity Agreement.
This marks the second visit by the International Moral Guarantors to Sierra Leone, following a similar assessment mission in June 2024, which took place prior to the conclusion of the Tripartite Committee’s work. Their findings and recommendations will be shared with key stakeholders to ensure continued momentum in Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding efforts.
