The Chief Minister, Professor David Francis has today been assigned by His Excellency, Dr. Jullius Maada Bio, to act as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the absence of the substantive Minister Dr. Alie Kabba and his Deputy Mrs. Nimatulia Bah-Chang who are currently abroad on various official functions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Tuesday 26 June, 2018 hosted a day MDAs and Private Sector meeting to discuss opportunities with regards the immediate pending resuscitation of the Joint Commission with the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the Directors conference room in the Ministry.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba was the guest of honour at this year’s Public Health reception held at the Chinese Embassy on Thursday 21 June, 2018. He also used this ceremony to bid farewell to the outgoing 19th China Medical Team.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba will serve as Chairperson for the meetings on the Ministerial Committee on African Candidatures in the International system and also Chair the Peace and Security Council meeting at the level of Foreign Ministers ahead of the 31st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
His Excellency Wolfgang Wiethoff, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sierra Leone resident in Freetown, has taken formal leave of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba, at the Ministry’s office, Tower Hill, Freetown.
The Chairman of the National Commission for Democracy in Sierra Leone (NCD-SL), Dr. Abubakarr Kargbo and some senior management staff of the commission have paid a working visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.
A delegation of officers from a UK based charity, Street Sports Hope led by the founder Mr. Alie Sesay has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.
The Chargé d’affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sierra Leone, Mr. Mahmoud Hassan Alizadeh, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Alie Kabba has assured the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), civil society organisations and political stakeholders of the New Direction’s political will in implementing significant recommendations in the final report proffered by the EU EOM in Sierra Leone following the conclusion of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council elections in March, 2018.
A Non-profit organisation based in Washington DC, Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) will convene a global Biosecurity Dialogue for government officials, experts, representatives from international organizations, and industry leaders in London from the 18-20 June, 2018.
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) led by the Chief Observer Hon. Jean Lambert has presented a copy of the final report on the 2018 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council elections to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba at a ceremony held at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.
In a bid to broaden and bolster economic and technical cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba, has signed two assistance and development objective grant agreements to the tune of 44.420M USD between the United States of America acting through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Republic of Sierra Leone at a signing ceremony held at the Directors conference room in the Ministry, Tower Hill, Freetown.
The agreements which were signed by USAID Mission Director for Guinea and Sierra Leone, Barbara Dickerson, for and on behalf of the US Government, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and witnessed by the USAID Country Coordinator, Khadijat Mojidi, stipulates that the U.S Government through USAID agrees to continue to provide to the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone a top up funding with incremental money for this year’s grant assistance in the amount of 8,893,448 to improve the Agricultural and Food security situation of the Sierra Leonean population, and 35, 527,314 US dollars to advance democratic governance and economic growth.
In her brief remarks before the signing of the agreement, the USAID Country Coordinator, Khadijat Mojidi, gave a brief historical background on U.S assistance to Sierra Leone since 1961 in enhancing political stability, achieve food security and strengthen democratic governance through targeted assistance to key sectors such as education, health and agriculture. She also highlighted some of the assistance provided during the civil war and the Ebola outbreak, including humanitarian and emergency assistance, reintegration and reconciliation, Ebola emergency response and investing in the country’s post Ebola recovery.
The USAID Country Coordinator further highlighted some of USAID’s achievements thus far in its programmes on good governance, gender equality and empowerment, feed the future agriculture project, health and to foster economic growth through public-private partnerships on its path towards a peaceful and prosperous future.
Dr. Alie Kabba on behalf of the people and Government of Sierra Leone lauded the efforts of the US Government through USAID and their implementing partners for the projects and activities that have been implemented in the country. The Foreign Minister underscored the significance of one of the projects implemented by USAID in eleven chiefdoms in the Tonkolili district where it has improved the nutritional status, strategic value chain and income of the people.
The New Direction agenda of His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Minister said, is focused on delivery where every member of the society should benefit. “I would like to see the full implementation of all USAID projects in the country, creating a positive impact in the communities and the lives of the people”, Dr. Kabba added. The Minister assured that his Ministry will continue engagement with USAID and implementing partners to show the level of accountability, transparency and commitment in achieving the objective set forth in the Grant Agreement signed between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the US Government acting through USAID.
”I look forward to working with your esteemed institution in meeting a desired goal in the New Direction”, he Concluded
Present at the ceremony were: the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang; the Deputy Director General for Policy, Dr. Michael Kargbo; Directors of various Divisions in the Ministry; and Representatives from USAID; the Ministry of Political and Public Affairs and the National Commission for Democracy.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Mr. Erik Solheim and team paid a courtesy call on the Honorable Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang at her Tower Hill office in Freetown.
According to Mr. Solheim, the aim of the visit was to broaden and strengthen the bilateral relationship between UNEP and the Republic of Sierra Leone with regards environmental issues in order to help tackle the issue of deforestation and other environmental hazards.
Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang in her welcome statement lauded the long standing bilateral working relationship with UNEP with a view to enhancing the management of Sierra Leone’s environment and natural resources which is vital to the country’s development. She emphasized that the New Direction agenda of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio considers the issues of the environment as paramount this is why the government is supportive of the environment protection act.
Some of the issues discussed during the meeting focused on strengthening the relationship between UNEP and the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the existing policy on environmental issues, log banning, reviewing the Environment Protection Act.
Present at the ceremony were: UNEP Head of Office Angele Luh; UNEP Director & Regional Representative Dr. Juliette Biao Koudenoukpo; UNEP Special Assitant to the Executive Director, Aline Nsengimana Umutoni; United Nations Special Assistant to the Resident Coordinator Janete Rebizzi; United Nations Sierra Leone Strategic Planning Advisor, Philip Dive; the Director for Multilateral & International Cooperation, Mr. Franklin Fawundu; and Deputy Director Protocol Mr. Alhassan Kargbo of the Ministry of Foreigh Affairs.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba, has said that the revitalization of the MRU is the dream of His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio in his quest to achieve Sierra Leone’s New Direction agenda by strengthening regional integration and cohesion.
Dr. Alie Kabba whilst welcoming the Secretary General of the MRU, Ambassador Medina A. Wesseh (Esq) to his Tower Hill office in Freetown, stated that under the current national blue print agenda-New Direction, it is the desire of President Julius Maada Bio to revive the MRU’s growth, socio-economic development and integration of the sub-region within the frame work of institutional revitalization and restructuring, peace and security, economic development and regional integration and social development.
The revitalization of the MRU, Dr. Kabba maintained, will promote food security, trade and industrial management, energy and power, transport infrastructure, and social development especially for health and education infrastructure and systems of the member states. The Foreign Minister underscored the significance of building up networks and partnerships that could be strengthened and expanded over time through joint collaboration between and among member states. ‘We need to make our citizens (of member states) productive citizens through the formulation and implementation of skills development projects and programmes that can build their skills for employment and self-employment’ Dr. Kabba concluded.
The MRU Secretary General, Ambassador Medina A. Wesseh (Esq) expressed gratitude to His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio for what she described as regional concern by way of visiting MRU member states before and after his inauguration as Head of State of the Republic of Sierra Leone. This shows his commitment to the objects of the MRU, She added.
Amb. Medina A. Wesseh (Esq) stated that the collaboration between member states and the formulation and the adoption of a common strategy for sustained peace, security and stability is considered the best way forward for the MRU. She further stated that MRU member countries need to fully tap the potential of the water resources for agricultural, domestic and industrial purposes. The private sector, she said has to take the lead to enhance sustainable growth and development. The MRU Secretary General further stated that there is absolute need for the government to come up with laws, policies, regulations and incentives to attract investment and to secure resources for the development of the sector.
Some of the issues discussed during the meeting focused on exploring approaches and strategies for developing mineral resource corridors using common infrastructure, power sources and management that can create opportunities for balanced growth and development, centers of excellence, MRU Railway transport system among other issues.
It could be recalled that the MRU is an intergovernmental institution comprising of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Cote D’Ivoire. As a regional integration organisation, MRU was created on October 3, 1973 by the Malema Declaration.
Present were: the Director General, Mr. Paul A.S. Minah; the Acting Director for Africa, Mrs. Juliana Fallah; and officers of the Africa division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany resident in Sierra Leone, His Excellency Wolfgang Wiethoff accompanied by the First Secretary and Head of Development Cooperation, Mr. Nico Westphal; the Director Regional Office, Mr. Andreas Fikre-Mariam and the Country Director of GIZ in Sierra Leone and Liberia, Mr. Malte Kirchner, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.
Welcoming the German envoy and entourage to the Ministry, Dr. Alie Kabba underscored the significance of the visit of the German Ambassador and delegation to his Ministry, which is aimed at broadening and deepening the existing bilateral relations between the two countries. Dr. Kabba lauded the contributions of the German government in enhancing the socio-economic development of the country. He further dilated on the long standing bilateral relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Sierra Leone. Dr. Kabba on behalf of His Excellency and the people of Sierra Leone expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the German government for their support and assistance to the Republic of Sierra Leone over the years.
According to Ambassador Wolfgang Wiethoff, their visit is to enhance and strengthen the bilateral relationship between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Sierra Leone. He further informed the Minister of ongoing programmes implemented by German agencies in the country including GIZ and KFW. ‘The German government is looking forward to more proposals to enhance the New Direction programme in Sierra Leone’, Ambassador Wiethoff concluded.
Some of the issues discussed during the meeting focused on broadening and deepening bilateral relations through economic technical cooperation in areas of common interest such as: agriculture, environment and climate, economic development and employment among other issues
Present were: the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang; the Director General, Mr. Paul A.S. Minah; the Director for Europe, Mr. Witsin T. Yankuba; and the Deputy Director for Europe, Mrs. Sia Tejan in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba has said, that the establishment of Human Rights and Peace clubs across Africa is an initiative of the African Union and therefore, Sierra Leone’s membership of the AU is providing benefit to its citizens.
Dr. Alie Kabba in his welcome statement during the launching of the Human Rights and Peace Clubs in Secondary Schools at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Freetown stated that his Ministry is the gateway through which Sierra Leone engages with other nations and international organisations noting that this mandate has made it possible for Sierra Leone to acquire member of international organisations like the AU.
Dr. Kabba assured his audience that as a responsible government, they owe it to the citizens that never again will the nation witness human rights abuses like those they experienced during the civil war. ‘There is no better group of people to sow and cultivate a culture rooted in respect for the rights of fellow citizens and respect for the rule of law, than school children’, he added.
The New Direction, Dr. Kabba maintained will apply the ‘Child First approach’ which aims at ensuring the survival, protection and development of children including disabled and vulnerable children through the implementation of policy actions and programmes to address sexual violence, teenage pregnancy, child trafficking, child labour and juvenile justice among other issues.
‘With the launching of the Human Rights and Peace Clubs in Secondary Schools today, this government is taking concrete steps to endorse a national programme to actualize part of His Excellency, Julius Maada Bio’s manifesto commitment to the people of Sierra Leone’, Dr. Alie Kabba concluded.
The Deputy Minister for Basic Education, Madam Emily Kadiatu George in her keynote address before the launch of the programme stated that the New Direction focuses especially on educational growth of youths and their peaceful co-existence noting that the more students are exposed to activities that promote positive images of other people’s culture, religion, uniqueness, social identity, the more likely they find faults with one another and the more they are able to live and work together for the common good of society.
The Deputy Minister of Basic Education implored all individuals, community leaders, teachers, NGOs, etc. to join the Human Rights Commission in Sierra Leone to extensively and effectively run peace clubs in secondary schools. “To the Principals, staff and administrators of schools where these clubs are established, I implore you to maximize use of the opportunity to enhance the work of the commission”, she concluded.
The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children Affairs, Mr. Mohamed Haji- Kella; the Chairman, Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone, Rev. Dr. Osman J. Fornah and a representative of the Head of Conference of Principals also made meaningful contributions to the launching ceremony.
The launching of the Human Rights and Peace Clubs and Guidelines and presentations formed part of the highlights of the launching ceremony.
Present were: the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang; the Director of Human Rights and Compliance, Mr. Patrick M. Koroma; and the Director for Policy Planning, Research and Knowledge Management, Mr. Marlon Bockarie-Conteh in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other officials of the various MDAs.
An ECOWAS delegation led by the Vice President, Finda E.M. Koroma has paid a working visit to the Minister of foreign affairs and International Cooperation at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.
The objective of the visit was to discuss pending issues with regards the humanitarian response mechanism, improving advocacy and capacity building efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the affected population including women and children, the youth and disadvantaged persons following the Ebola outbreak and Mudslide crisis in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Alie Kabba whilst welcoming the ECOWAS delegation to the Ministry, on behalf of His Excellency, Julius Maada Bio, extended profound thanks and appreciation to ECOWAS for the valuable support and assistance following the Ebola scourge in March 2014 and the August 14 mudslide and flood in Freetown and its environs, noting that the follow up visit by the ECOWAS delegation was a testimony of excellent friendship and bilateral ties among its membership.
Dr. Kabba assured the ECOWAS delegation of the full support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs both at bilateral and multilateral levels under the New Direction.
The ECOWAS envoy thanked the Minister and staff for the warm reception accorded them and underlined their interest in intensifying collaboration in tackling issues such as disease surveillance, youth and migration, regional social protection and human trafficking.
It is important to note that ECOWAS was the first organization in the world to respond to the Ebola crisis in a coordinated manner. It was first to declare Ebola a regional security threat in March 2014. It also initiated a series of high-level meetings and consultations to assist the affected states through its health agency, the West African Health Organization (WAHO).
Present were: the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang; the Director General, Paul A.S. Minah; Acting Director for Africa division, Mrs. Juliana Sia Hawa Fallah and other officials of the Ministry.
The Minister of foreign affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba has told participants that, ‘in line with the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which aims at addressing the root causes of our conflict, under the ‘New Direction’, which is the blueprint document for moving our country forward, efforts are on the way to overhaul the judiciary and justice delivery system in the country with a view to restoring public confidence in its independence and impartiality and make justice accessible and available for all’.
The one day workshop which is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration with Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies is part of the efforts geared towards bringing together relevant stakeholders including Government Ministries and Agencies working on the Sustainable Development Goal 16(SDG 16) of the Agenda 2030, Agenda for Sustainable Development. This workshop also aims at sharing perspectives and to compliment the work of the Pathfinders in helping Sierra Leone actualize SDG16 and its related targets.
Dr. Alie Kabba in his opening remarks maintained, that Sierra Leone has over the years made considerable efforts in consolidating its capacity for preventing and resolving conflicts noting that since the end of the civil war, the country has conducted four democratic elections which were widely acclaimed to be violence free, fair, transparent and credible. This, he said, underscores the country’s commitment for the promotion of the rule of law and good governance and preservation of the hard won peace and stability.
The Foreign Minister stated that the New Direction seeks to consolidate political and economic governance, including improvement in social indicators as well as the protection of the basic rights of the people of Sierra Leone. “We are keen in delivering results on the several priority areas including free education for all primary and secondary pupils, empowerment of youth, women and the disabled, job creation, building and promoting national cohesion, improving accountability and combating corruption and ensuring effective and effective public service delivery”, Dr. Alie Kabba concluded.
Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abdulai Masiyambay Bangurah (Esq) in his brief remarks stated that as a new government, they have prioritised justice sector reform as critical to good governance and the rule of law. The Deputy Minister of Justice re-emphasized His Excellency, the President’s call for the need for a modern justice system fit for the 21st century – a system that meets the democratic aspirations of the people and the country. “We need to build the type of justice system that promotes equal access for everyone and limits unnecessary political interference’, Mr. Abdulai Masiyambay Bangurah (Esq) concluded.
In his welcome statement, the Director General of MFAIC, Mr. Paul A.S. Minah disclosed that the outcome of the workshop will inform Sierra Leone’s participation at the Ministerial Conference on ‘Empowering People And Ensuring Inclusiveness And Equality And Also The Meeting Of Heads Of State And Government To Mobilise Further Actions To Accelerate Implementation Of All 17 SDGS’, scheduled to be held in July and September this year, respectively.
Presentations on the Pathfinder initiative and interactive discussion on the implementation of SDG16 in Sierra Leone formed part of the one-day workshop.
Present were: the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang; the Director General, Paul A.S. Minah; the Deputy Director for policy, Dr. Michael Kargbo; and Directors of the various divisions of the Ministry.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba has on Tuesday 5 June 2018, assured members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, UN agencies and other multilateral organisations represented in Sierra Leone of better cooperation under the New Direction.
The familiarization meeting that was held in the Ministry’s conference hall attracted over forty representatives of the various resident Embassies, Consulates and International organisations in Sierra Leone.
In his opening statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba on behalf of His Excellency, Rt. Brig. Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone thanked members of the Diplomatic Community for their interest in Sierra Leone underscoring that whilst systematically looking at their respective in-country programmes, his Ministry will pay close attention to all sectors including: development, health related issues and economic related matters to peace and security; education, women’s issues and that of children; to those people with disabilities all inclusive.
On other cross cutting issues including human rights, the SDGs and global health issues like HIV/AIDs, Dr. Kabba stated that his Ministry will take a critical look at them whilst issues like corruption, migration, human trafficking and terrorism will be treated at the highest level.
The Foreign Minister called on members of the Diplomatic community, Consular Corps and other international agencies to stay on course and follow the principles of the conventions that create the atmosphere that has kept them so well organised together.
‘ I do hope you will all engage me constructively and let us all be rest assured it will be towards the common goal which is the people of this country comes first’, he concluded.
In his response on behalf of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Amb. Wolfgang Wiethoff assured the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of their cooperation always noting the significant role the diplomatic community has played in enhancing the bilateral and technical cooperation between Sierra Leone and the various countries represented.
Dr. Adonis Aboud on behalf of members of the consular corps assured the Minister of their fullest support in achieving the objects of their new vision- the New Direction.
The meeting was moderated by the Director of Protocol, Mr. Sahr E. Johnny, while the welcome statement was delivered by the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Paul Minah.
Present at the ceremony were: the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nimatulai Bah-Chang; the Director General, Paul Minah; Deputy Director General for Policy, Dr. Michael S. Kargbo; and Directors of the various divisions of the Ministry.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan the Republic of Sierra Leone with resident in Ghana, His Excellency Tuslomu Himeno has a paid a Courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.
According to H.E Himeno, his visit is to congratulate the Minister on his appointment and to further strengthen the existing bilateral relationship between both countries, and to broaden and deepen Japan’s continues support to the realization of President Julius Maada Bio’s New Direction.
The Ambassador informed and extended an invite to Dr. Alie Kabba to participate in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) meeting in Japan, scheduled in October this year as a preparatory meeting for the Summit of Heads of State meetings next year 2019.
Dr. Alie Kabba welcomed the Ambassador and highlighted some of the key objects of the New Direction which the government is poised to deliver. He assured the Japanese Ambassador of his Ministry’s cooperation with the Republic of Japan in enhancing Economic Diplomacy.
Some of the issues discussed during the meeting focused on the enhancement of: Japanese Government Scholarships, humanitarian assistance and energy.
Present at the ceremony were: the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nimatulai Bah-Chan; the Director General, Paul Minah; the Director of Middle East & Asia Miss Rakie Macarthy; Deputy Director of Middle East & Asia Mrs. Augusta Akibo-Jones; the Director of Protocol of the Ministry.
