In a groundbreaking stride towards fostering national unity, Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has unveiled the initiation of a pivotal phase in the Agreement for National Unity.
The Chief’s Diary, dated Thursday, December 21, 2023, chronicles a landmark assembly that united major political factions, the United Nations, development partners, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Moral Guarantors of the Agreement.
At the core of this discourse are principles championed by Dr. Sengeh: “respect, inclusion, taking responsibility, and decisive action.” In an era demanding collaboration, the involved parties have vowed to uphold these values, steering Sierra Leone towards greater cohesion.
The Chief Minister revealed the establishment of an initial monthly engagement framework, featuring town hall meetings with diverse stakeholders.
This intentional effort seeks to foster open dialogue, ensuring the diverse voices of the nation resonate in the decision-making process.
Significantly, the parties have made substantial progress, with over 80% of Resolutions either fully or partially realized. This commitment mirrors Sierra Leone’s leaders’ dedication to effecting positive change and addressing pressing national issues.
Dr. Sengeh stressed that this is only the beginning, promising they “won’t stop.” The collaborative spirit embedded in the inter-party dialogue signals a collective resolve to surmount challenges and fulfill promises to Sierra Leoneans.
As the Chief Minister aptly declared, “Together We Will Deliver,” encapsulating the shared vision of a united, resilient nation committed to a brighter future. Dr. Sengeh’s leadership marks a crucial step for Sierra Leone and serves as a beacon of hope for nations grappling with internal challenges.
In a formal statement on X, the US Embassy in Freetown congratulated all Sierra Leoneans on the launch of the institutionalized inter-party dialogue, stating, “This initiative provides an opportunity for all political parties to work together to resolve differences, build national unity, and ensure long-term peace and stability. We look forward to supporting this new mechanism to advance the aspirations of the Sierra Leonean people for democracy, health, and prosperity.”
On the 18th October 2023 the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party signed the “Agreement of National unity” after a three days mediated dialogue facilitated by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC). This came after the APC decided to boycott all government activities in response to the June 24 general elections, which they alleged that was not free and fair.
