The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) took a decisive step to deepen collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) by hosting a consultative meeting on Friday, 30th May 2025. Under the leadership of Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, the gathering aimed to strengthen partnerships and enhance civil registration and identity management across Sierra Leone.
This pivotal engagement supports the government’s efforts to plan, implement, and monitor the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee formed after the 2023 general elections.
Opening the meeting, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, Director General, National Civil Registration Authority emphasized the indispensable role CSOs play in Sierra Leone’s governance landscape.
He reflected on the sustained partnership between the NCRA and civil society since the administration of President Julius Maada Bio began in 2018. “Civil Society Organizations have been our critical partners in governance and civil registration exercises,” he noted. “It is in this spirit that I have called you today for an open and frank discussion on the implementation of Tripartite Committee recommendations related to the NCRA.”
DG Massaquoi acknowledged the broad reach and influence of CSOs throughout the country, highlighting their unique ability to connect with communities nationwide. “Your constituencies span the nation, and your voices resonate deeply with the people more than any other organization. That is why we have continuously counted on you since 2018,” he said, expressing appreciation to all attendees for their swift response despite short notice.
Reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to democratic governance and accountability, Massaquoi encouraged CSOs to remain both critical and constructive in their contributions. He underscored that President Bio values their insights as essential to advancing the welfare of the people.
The meeting featured valuable contributions from CSO representatives including Miss Valnora Edwin of the African Women Leaders Network, who commended the Director General’s initiative and advocated for broader inclusion of civil society groups in future discussions.
She also recommended involving the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to provide updates on the progress of Tripartite Committee recommendations before subsequent meetings.
Other voices, like Alphonso Manley, shared experiences from regional forums on identity registration where CSO networks have played vital roles in advancing civil registration efforts. The dialogue culminated in calls to engage additional key stakeholders such as the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) and the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) in upcoming consultative platforms.
