Joint assessment mission concludes visit in Sierra Leone

The Joint Assessment Mission of the International Moral Guarantors of the Agreement for National Unity, comprising ECOWAS, AU, and UNOWAS, concluded its four-day mission in Sierra Leone on June 21, 2024.

The mission was co-led by H.E. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former Vice President of The Gambia, and H.E. Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of UNOWAS. The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) facilitated the mission alongside representatives from the African Union Commission and technical experts from ECOWAS and UNOWAS.

This assessment followed the anticipated conclusion of a report by the Tripartite Committee, established by Sierra Leone's President on December 19, 2023. This committee was one of eight resolutions under the Agreement for National Unity signed between Sierra Leone's government and the All Peoples Congress (APC) party on October 18, 2023.

During their visit, the delegation met with H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone; leadership from the APC party; senior government officials; other political parties; national security agency representatives; and members of Sierra Leone's diplomatic community.

Discussions focused on implementing various resolutions from the Agreement for National Unity, addressing challenges encountered during implementation, and emphasizing continued political dialogue to ensure peace and stability. The mission expressed concern over disinformation spreading via social media that threatens collective efforts toward achieving agreement objectives.

Despite these concerns, "the Mission commends all stakeholders for their commitments to continue dialogue," as evidenced by a joint statement issued on June 19, 2024. This statement committed to implementing Resolution Three of the Agreement for National Unity and strengthening inclusive democracy.

The Joint Mission called upon development partners to remain hopeful and increase assistance to Sierra Leone while reiterating its commitment to support agreement implementation for peace and stability in the country. It urged all political actors and citizens to prioritize national unity above partisan interests.

Additionally, stakeholders requested more frequent visits from International Moral Guarantors to ensure smooth implementation of agreements. The mission extended gratitude to H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission; H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of African Union Commission; for facilitating this assignment.