Freetown, June 21, 2024 – 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 today.
The mission was co-led by H.E. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former Vice President of The Gambia, and H.E. Leonardo Santos Simão, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of UNOWAS. The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) facilitated the mission, supported by the African Union Commission and technical experts from the ECOWAS Commission and UNOWAS.
The Joint Assessment Mission followed the anticipated conclusion of the Tripartite Committee’s report, established by President Julius Maada Bio on December 19, 2023. This was one of the eight resolutions of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU), signed on October 18, 2023, between the Government of Sierra Leone and the All Peoples Congress (APC) party.
During their visit, the delegation met with President Bio and engaged with APC leadership, senior government officials, other political parties, national security agencies, and the diplomatic community in Sierra Leone.
The discussions focused on the implementation of the ANU resolutions, encountered challenges, and the necessity for continued political dialogue to maintain peace, stability, and national cohesion.
“The mission notes with concern the spate of disinformation and misinformation on social media, which threatens the collective efforts of stakeholders towards achieving the objectives of the Agreement,” stated H.E. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang.
Despite these challenges, the mission commended all stakeholders for their commitment to dialogue, highlighted by a Joint Statement issued on June 19, 2024, which reaffirmed their dedication to implementing Resolution Three of the ANU and strengthening inclusive democracy.
“We urge all stakeholders to focus on the full implementation of the resolutions of the Agreement,” emphasized H.E. Leonardo Santos Simão.
He further called on Sierra Leone’s development partners to remain hopeful and increase their support to the Government and people of Sierra Leone.
The Joint Mission also called for all political actors and citizens to prioritize peace, unity, and stability above partisan interests.
“The mission acknowledges the stakeholders’ call for more frequent visits by the International Moral Guarantors to ensure the smooth implementation of the Agreement,” noted H.E. Jallow-Tambajang.
The mission expressed deep appreciation to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki, for facilitating the mission.
As the mission concludes, the international community’s commitment to accompanying Sierra Leone in its journey towards sustained peace, stability, and national cohesion remains steadfast.
