FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – In a swift response to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown has addressed the controversy surrounding the reaffirmation agreement with Mayor Justin Elicker of New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America.
Earlier today, the Ministry issued a press release revealing a surge in concerns from citizens regarding the reaffirmation agreement between Mayor Elicker and Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the former Mayor and now Mayor Elect of Freetown City Council.
The Ministry cited Sierra Leone’s sovereign status governed by laws, specifically the Local Government Act of 2022, which mandates all councilors, including the Mayor, to subscribe to the oath outlined in the act following elections.
The Ministry strongly emphasized that it is inconceivable for Mayor Elect Aki-Sawyerr to enter into an agreement on behalf of the Freetown City Council and, by extension, the government of Sierra Leone since she did not fulfill the oath of office during the inauguration of the Western Region Councils on August 17, 2023.
While recognizing the importance of reaffirming the relationship between the two cities, the Ministry condemned this act as misleading and fraudulent, deeming the agreement illegal.
The Ministry underlined Sierra Leone’s commitment to the rule of law and called on citizens not to take the agreement seriously.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr responded on social media, asserting that acknowledging the existence of a Sister City Agreement signed in 1996 and receiving good wishes for the future does not constitute a legally binding agreement, as clarified by Mayor Justin Elicker.
She stated, “Simply acknowledging the existence of a Sister City Agreement legally signed in 1996 and wishing us well for the future is in no way entering into a legal agreement as clearly stated by Mayor Justin Elicker in his “Thank you” email below.
