By Omonu YG Nelson
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU), and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), joint assessment mission has commended Sierra Leone’s commitment to peace and unity.
The four-day visit, which was concluded on Friday, June 21, 2024, saw the mission meeting with President Julius Maada Bio, political parties, and other stakeholders.
The mission, co-led by H.E. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang and H.E. Leonardo Santos Simão, praised the country’s efforts in implementing the Agreement for National Unity. The Agreement aims to promote peace, stability, and national cohesion in Sierra Leone.
In a statement, H.E. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang encouraged international partners to continue supporting Sierra Leone’s government and people. “The Joint Mission calls on the development partners of Sierra Leone to continue to remain hopeful and increase their assistance to the Government and people of Sierra Leone,” she said.
The mission urged stakeholders to prioritise peace, unity, and stability, and to continue dialogue to address differences. They also commended the issuance of a Joint Statement on June 19, committing to the implementation of Resolution Three of the Agreement for National Unity.
H.E. Leonardo Santos Simão emphasized the importance of fully implementing the Agreement’s resolutions. “We urge all stakeholders to give significant attention to the full implementation of the resolutions of the Agreement,” he said.
The mission expressed gratitude for the opportunity to undertake the assignment and reiterated their commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s peace, stability, and national cohesion.
In a final message, H.E. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang called on all political actors and citizens to remain calm and prioritize peace, unity, and stability above partisan interests. “We call on all political actors and citizens to continue to remain calm and prioritize peace, unity, and stability above every other partisan interest,” she said.
Sierra Leone’s commitment to peace and unity is a positive development for the country and the region, and the international community’s support is crucial for its continued progress.