MoFAIC Building, Tower Hill Freetown, 14th December 2023.

The newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, today presented copies of her Letters of Credence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Musa Timothy Kabba.

Mrs. Wakana during her presentation expressed a condolence message on behalf of the UN Secretary-General and the UN Country Team over the unfortunate attempted coup on November 26th, 2023 that claimed the lives of some military and security personnel.

Mrs. Wakana said that she had been briefed on the crucial role that her office will be playing as Co-Chair in the implementation of the National Dialogue framework between the Government of Sierra Leone and the opposition party the All People’s Congress.
She said that the role of the UN is not only to sustain peace but to work towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals ahead of Agenda 2023.

She noted that the Government of Sierra Leone is on track in the implementation of the ‘Big Five’ agenda that addresses some of the SDGs.
She assured the Minister that the UN Resident Coordinator’s office is ready to mobilize support from development partners in any capacity or expertise in realizing some of the priority areas of the government that are also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2024-30).

Receiving her Letter of Credence, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Musa Timothy Kabba welcomed and congratulated Mrs. Seraphine Wakana on her appointment as UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone; adding that she was coming at a time when the country’s record of being one of the most peaceful nations was being tested as a result of the November 26 failed coup.

He assured the UN Resident Coordinator that the Government and partners were working to restore calmness in the country.
Minister Kabba said that the role of the United Nations since its formation in 1945 in maintaining global security cannot be overemphasized; noting the role of the UN in transitioning Sierra Leone from a war-ravaged country to a post-war reconstructive nation.

The Minister briefed the UN Resident Coordinator that the Election Review Committee was a recommendation made after the National Dialogue between the Government of Sierra Leone and the main opposition APC that was facilitated by the UN and other partners to address Sierra Leone’s election challenges.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess P. Algali highlighted key components of the Feed Sierra Leone initiative and how the UN can complement government efforts in realizing some of the development projects in the country.

MFAIC Building, Tower Hill Freetown, 29th November 2023

In an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement Between the Government of The People’s Republic of China and The Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Chinese Government has granted the sum of 100 million RMB Yuan (an equivalent of $13m) to the Government and the people of Sierra Leone. The grant agreement was signed Wednesday, November 29 by the Republic of Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Musa Timothy Kabba, and the Peoples Republic of China’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Wang Qing at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Tower Hill, Freetown.

With a view to further deepen the friendly relations, economic and technical cooperation between the two countries, the agreement aims to support the economic and social development of Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Wang Qing recalled that China and Sierra Leone have a long-standing relationship and that in recent years, the two countries have together continuously enhanced geo-political mutual trust and achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation and related closely in international affairs. The signing of the agreement on Wednesday, was another practical demonstration by China to support the economic and social development of Sierra Leone, the ambassador said. He said China was willing to take the opportunity to implement the important consensus of the two heads of state and promote the continuous development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Sierra Leone to benefit the people of both countries.

Minister Kabba expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of President Bio, to the Chinese Government and people for their long-term valuable assistance to Sierra Leone. The Minister said that the signing of the agreement was symbolic of the strong friendship between the two countries. He said the grant would help advance President Bio’s second-term governance agenda of the BIG FIVE GAME CHANGERs and that Sierra Leone would work with China to deepen the friendly cooperation between the two Great Nations.

MoFAIC Building, Tower Hill Freetown, 20th November 2023

The outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator to Sierra Leone Dr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi today bid farewell to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Musa Timothy Kabba in his office.

Dr. Ahonsi described his three years of serving in the country as awesome; looking at development initiatives that have been instituted by the Government.

“As I leave Sierra Leone, I firmly believe that the important building blocks for economic and social transformation that have been put in place many of which the United Nations development systems were associated with would yield significant returns in terms of economic and social transformation for the people of Sierra Leone. These are not like building bridges that people see. But with time they will yield return,” Dr. Ahonsi said while citing significant gains in Free Quality Education, access to elementary education, and a drop in maternal mortality.

Dr. Ahonsi recalled the time of his arrival in the country in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when Africa was considered vulnerable due to inadequate preparedness to combat the pandemic. But it turned out that due to the strong leadership of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone became one of the few countries that had a response in place even before the outbreak of the first case. This he said was because the government was able to quickly implement past experiences of Ebola.

He commended Sierra Leone for being one of the first countries in West Africa to fully vaccinate 70% of its citizens against COVID-19 which was in line with the 70% WHO targeted population by November 2022.

Dr. Ahonsi applauded the Feed Salone initiative of the government which he believes will lead to job creation, boost the economy, and lead to food sovereignty thereby attaining some aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals.
He also commended the establishment of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change and Renewable Energy which demonstrates the political will in the fight against climate change.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Musa Timothy Kabba thanked Dr. Ahonsi and the United Nations for being strong partners in supporting government initiatives like the Free Quality Education and other priority areas.

“The United Nations is a strong and reliable partner with Sierra Leone. When you talk about the United Nations, the first thing that comes to our minds is the support to ending Sierra Leone’s civil war and the role that was played in the transformation of the country to the extent that the country now takes part in peacekeeping operations in the world.,” the Minister said.

He said food insecurity is a global malaise, especially in Africa and the move by His Excellency President Bio to initiate the Feed Salone is to respond to that threat which has the potential to undermine the growth of any country.
“President Bio is doing everything to get the Feed Salone right. Our bilateral engagements have been largely on investment in agriculture, and job creation for young people and we continue to work closely with related UN agencies to achieve this initiative.” He said.
The Minister talked about the country’s presence in the United Nations Security Council at a time when there are emerging conflicts across the globe. This he said is the right time for Sierra Leone to share its experience and push for peace in West Africa and other parts of the world.

In furthering the diplomatic ties between the two countries, Sierra Leone and South Africa have agreed on a visa waiver for holders of Diplomatic and Service passports in both countries.

During a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Timothy M. Kabba, South African High Commissioner to Ghana and Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Grace Jeanet Mason, said that this will benefit both countries in terms of easy access and strengthen diplomatic and bilateral ties.

She said that the entry visa waiver for holders of Diplomatic and Service passports will take effect on the 30th of November 2023.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Timothy M. Kabba welcomed the development as it resonates with the mandate of the Ministry in promoting diplomatic and bilateral relations.

The Minister said that the visa waiver is a win-win situation for both countries as they seek to facilitate free movement, investment and development.

The Minister noted how Sierra Leone and South Africa continue to benefit from their mutual bilateral relations in the area of education, development, and development.

Minister Timothy highlighted the key priorities of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio in the areas of education, food security, energy, mining, tourism, and investment as he called on investors to explore those opportunities.

Sierra Palms Hotel, Aberdeen Freetown-30th October 2023

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Affairs, Musa Timothy Kabba has called on Civil Society Organizations to be Ambassadors of the African Union Peace and Security Architecture.
Minister Kabba made the call during the opening session of a three-day Training of Trainers program organized by the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) for Civil Society Organizations on Information gathering, conflict analysis, and Early Warning Response at the Sierra Palms Hotel in Aberdeen Freetown.

The Foreign Affairs Minister described the event as a step in deepening CSO’s understanding of political context and also an opportunity to learn how to generate evidence that will inform political decisions through conflict analysis. This he said will intensify the collective actions of both the Government and CSOs in protecting democracy from sliding into tyranny.

“Let me express my gratitude to the ECSOCC Leadership for choosing Sierra Leone to host this Training of Trainers program for Civil Society Organizations on Information Gathering, Conflict Analysis, and Early Warning/ Response under the EU-APSA IV Programme.

It is a privileged moment for me and for those who don’t know, a couple of years ago that I was actively engaged with ECOSOCC so, I am honored to welcome my civil society family home. It is time for the continent to recognize that we have a common problem and we can either have a common solution or no solution at all; this is a message that I also want to convey to my colleagues at the Executive Council when I get to meet with them but also to all Civil Society actors on the continent,” he said.
Minister Kabba reiterated the significance of the event as it underscores the shared commitment of our great continent, Africa to achieving peace, security, and stability.
“The African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) serves as the cornerstone of our collective efforts to ensure a peaceful and secured continent. Within APSA, the Continent Early Warning System (CEWS) plays a pivotal role, allowing us to promptly identify potential conflict triggers and respond swiftly to mitigate conflicts across Africa,” the Minister said while underscoring the importance of the ECOSOCC training to empower and enhance the capacity of CSOs in information gathering, conflict analysis, and early warning/response.

The Minister urged participants to see the training as an opportunity to strengthen the collective role of government and CSOs’ to ensure peace, security, and stability across the African continent.
“Together, we can build a better future for our nations, our people, and our beloved continent,” he added.
The three-day ECOSOCC training of Trainers seeks to empower CSOs on the continent’s early warning systems, covering their components, operations, and functions, highlighting its essential role within the APSA framework.

They will also be trained in the components that underpin the effectiveness of Early Warning Systems, unpacking the various methods and sources for data collection, and the intricate analytical processes that transform these data into practical recommendations.

The Directorate of Strategic Communications
26th September, 2023
MFAIC Building, Tower Hill Freetown

Uganda is opening a consular office in Freetown, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and all other ECOWAS member states, Ambassador Ocheger Nelson said Tuesday while formally introducing the new Ugandan Honorary Consul to Sierra Leone’s Ag Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess Alghali, at her Tower Hill office in Freetown.

“Because we are not yet able to establish a fully functional embassy here as a country, we thought it fit that we could identify somebody who could be an immediate link between me as ambassador in Abuja and the Government and people of Sierra Leone”, Nelson said as
he introduced Deepak Bhurani as Uganda’s new Honorary Consul whose appointment, he was pleased to say, has been approved by the Government of Sierra Leone.

“So, I am here to formally introduce him to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and by extension, the government of the Republic of Sierra Leone so that as he commences to discharge his responsibilities, he is formally known to you”, the ambassador said.

“This afternoon, we are also formally opening a consulate where Deepak is going to be working…So I look at this as a milestone in our diplomatic relations because it now gives us the opportunity to finally scale up our interactions in the areas that I’ve already enumerated”, he said. “This in my view is a very important milestone….I’ll do my utmost to guide him, advise him, to make sure that our relations could grow from strength to strength”, he said.

Ambassador Nelson used the occasion to formally congratulate President Bio for his re-election into office and said his government was pleased to work with the Sierra Leone Government and the people of Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone and Uganda established diplomatic ties in 1973. Over the years, the relationship has been very cordial and continues to grow built on understanding, Pan-Africanism and shared commitment to developing human capital in both countries. Both countries are former British colonies who have shared experiences in civil strife, rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-combatants.

For Nelson, the most memorable event of the bilateral relation, was in 2019 when President Julius Maada Bio visited Uganda where he had the privilege to interact with the president very closely. At the time, the Sierra Leone President visited a few areas of interest in Uganda. He said President Bio prioritized Health, Agriculture and Value Addition to agricultural products, as key areas of cooperation.

The Minister welcomed the ambassador to Sierra Leone as she congratulated Bhurani upon his appointment as Uganda’s Honorary Consul to Sierra Leone. She asked the ambassador to convey Sierra Leone’s appreciation to President Yuweri Museveni for opening a Uganda consular office in Sierra Leone.
She said Sierra Leone and Uganda have had a long-standing relationship which was further enhanced by President Bio’s visit to Uganda in 2019 when several agreements of cooperation were signed between the government of Sierra Leone and Uganda. The minister said presidents Bio and Museveni at the time agreed on several areas of cooperation prominent among which was a visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and service passports from both countries which she said was a huge step in furthering friendly movement between the two countries.
She said now that the relationship is being upscaled, Sierra Leone is interested in strengthening cooperation in agriculture, an area in which Uganda has excelled, especially in value addition. “We view the opening of a consular office taking our cooperation, friendship and collaboration to the next level, particularly as the two heads of state agreed on the formation of a joint permanent council to foster economic cooperation”, she said.

The minister further informed the ambassador and honorary consul that Sierra Leone will be on the Security Council for Africa in the non-permanent category. “We continue to count on the support of Uganda as we take our seat in the Council in 2024-2025”, she said.

She hoped Bhurani would perform his responsibilities excellently as a representative of a friend of Sierra Leone, further assuring him that the doors of the Foreign Affairs ministry are always open to him to be accorded the necessary courtesies and preferments. “We look forward to continued working relationship with you”, she said.
Bhurani thanked the minister and Ambassador Nelson for granting him the opportunity to maintain the relationship between the two countries. He pledged to give up his best.

MoFAIC Building, Tower Hill, Freetown, 7th September 2023

Aidan Fitzpatrick, the Ambassador Designate of Ireland to Sierra Leone, today presented copies of his letter of Credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba.

Ambassador Fitzpatrick said he is happy to return to Sierra Leone as ambassador since he and his wife first came to Sierra Leone in 1997 and worked in development programs for some time while they were residing in Segbwema, Eastern Sierra Leone.

He recalled the diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and Ireland that started back in 2014, and he is coming at a time when the Irish embassy is in the process of developing its new strategy for the next five years.

“Because of the progress we have been making together and the successes within our programs, we are expanding in terms of staffing and finance. I think it’s indicative of our commitment to the country but also of the progress we’ve made together over the last number of years”, he said.

He said though his embassy’s programs focus on gender issues, they are equally interested in the nutrition and agriculture space; governance issues, and the education sector.

The Ambassador congratulated the Minister on behalf of Sierra Leone’s election to the UN Security Council in the non-permanent category which he called “a huge achievement”.

He recalled that the Republic of Ireland too was in the UN Security Council in 2021 and 2022 in the same non-permanent category. He appreciated the support his country enjoyed at the time from Sierra Leone and assured that Ireland would be pleased to share their UN Security Council experience with Sierra Leone as well.

The Minister welcomed the new ambassador to Sierra Leone and described his appointment as homecoming.

“I am very pleased that the Republic of Ireland has chosen someone that has hindsight into the affairs of Sierra Leone and at a very critical time like this when your program stream resonates with the national program of our government”, the minister said.

The Minister said that Ireland’s support for women and women’s affairs in Sierra Leone is huge which is in line with His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s overarching vision in terms of empowering women and girls.

He said that the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Act of 2022 promotes the affairs of women which has enabled them to have 30.4% representation in the Parliament of Sierra Leone as opposed to 14% previously.

This he said has also been replicated in government offices across the country where you have women as heads of parastatals, as ministers and deputies.

He commended the Ireland government for supporting education which is the flagship program of the government; noting the allocation of 22% of its national revenue.

The minister said Sierra Leone is aware of the support from the government and people of Ireland in the education, health care, food, and nutrition sector in the country.

The Minister highlighted investment opportunities in the areas of mining, agriculture, tourism, and other sectors and called on the ambassador to explore those opportunities for investors in Ireland.

“We look forward to working with your embassy… It is encouraging that you are expanding on your staff and the support to Sierra Leone. It is a testament to the peace, quietness, and the good governance of the country. I believe when embassies are very comfortable with the way the people are led, the way governance is conducted, it gives the country and our bilateral partners the confidence to properly establish in that country to seek and protect our mutual interest and values,” he affirmed.

Ambassador Fitzpatrick is a development specialist. Before his appointment to the Foreign Service of Ireland, he managed community development projects in Ireland, Sierra Leone, India, Angola, DRC and Rwanda.

MFAIC Building, Tower Hill, Freetown, 21 August 2023-

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy M Kabba, on Monday 21st August 2023, met with members of the diplomatic missions including Ambassadors and High Commissioners at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
the Minister’s maiden meeting with the diplomats was an interactive session that enabled him and his deputy Madam Francess Algali to meet and engage heads of the various diplomatic missions in the country after his recent appointment to head the ministry.

In his address, the Minister expressed sincere appreciation to the government and the people of Sierra Leone for the cordial relations and mutual benefits between the country and the diplomatic communities in crucial times such as the outbreak of the Coronavirus.
Minister Timothy Kabba highlighted the achievements of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s first term administration which includes huge investment in human capital development.

“We substantially increased investment in educating future generations of this country–improving the healthcare systems, addressing poverty and unemployment, empowering women and youth, protecting the environment, mitigating public safety and disaster risks…”, he said.

the Minister informed the Diplomatic community on gains made in the fight against corruption, deepening democratic governance as well as promoting reforms to strengthen the government’s effectiveness, regulatory quality, and the Rule of Law, citing a few international benchmarks such as the MCC scorecard and the extractive industry’s transparency initiative requirements, government policy of Radical Inclusion in education with the government allocating an unprecedented 22% of the national budget to education.

“For us educating the girl-child is a central component in the radical inclusion program… Gender Equality is now firmly on our national agenda”, he emphasized, recalling that the recently concluded multi-tier election increased women’s representation in Parliament for the first time in the history of the country,” he said.

The Minister shared the Big Five agenda of President Bio’s second term with the diplomatic communities;
Feed Salone, Human capital Development, Youth Employment Scheme, Revamping of the Public Sector architecture, Technology and infrastructural initiative, and calls for collaboration and support in those areas.

On the election of Sierra Leone to the non-permanent seat category to the United Nations Security Council on June 6, the Minister thanked the diplomatic communities for making that happen while he promised to tap into the experiences of countries that had been there before.

he said President Bio during the State Opening of Parliament made it clear that a National Electoral System Review Committee with the inclusion of independent bodies will be set up to look into the just concluded elections and made recommendations on how to improve the electoral cycle. This he said shows the commitment of government in promoting democracy, peace, and security.

“We respect the diversity of political ideologies and firmly believe that such diversities of thoughts and actions are the building blocks for peace and prosperity. We also recognize the inclination for political factors to trigger hard conversations especially when interests seem to sway. However, our call to service should see us putting the interest of our sovereign nation above all else”, the Minister said.

The Dean of the Diplomatic Community, the Nigerian High Commission to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Henry John Omaku, commended the Minister for hosting all diplomats through an interactive session which has given them much understanding of development programs and priorities of the government.
“We have listened to your intention and have seen the fact that you are extending a hand of friendship, partnership, and cooperation to the diplomatic community. We are fully aware of the Vienna Convention of 1961 which stipulates some of our responsibilities and our guide in discharging our functions as Ambassadors and Heads of missions. We appreciate the fact that you have been in the system and are familiar with the policies of the government. By your speech today, we do not doubt that the government of Sierra Leone is still open and still has national interest at heart”, High Commissioner Omaku said.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, said China and Sierra Leone are friends based on mutual respect, support, benefit, and cooperation. He pledged support to work with President Bio’s Government under the south-south cooperation.

The UK High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Lisa Chesney thanked the Foreign Minister for the opportunity and appreciated the spirit of the interactive meeting.
“The UK-Sierra Leone relationship is strong and enduring between the two countries and people, she said. Chesney appreciated Minister Kabba’s focus on dialogue in terms of how the country faces the challenges and opportunities of building bridges and on the importance of diversity of views which she said is at the center of any functioning democracy. She said her government would support the government of Sierra Leone, opposition parties, and the people in addressing the challenging issues the minister mentioned in his speech.

She appealed to the Sierra Leone Government to help check the proliferation of fake news on social media which she said is holding the country back. She congratulated Sierra Leone for winning the UN Security Council seat in the non-permanent category.

Outgoing US Ambassador, David Dale Reimer appreciated the partnership between Sierra Leone and the US which he said was long-term. He said the US Embassy had always enjoyed access to the Foreign Affairs Ministry. He hoped it would continue under the new Minister Kabba’s leadership. He reminded the Minister of the US Government’s concern about the conduct of the June Multi-tier elections. He said he appreciated the fact that Government has always created an atmosphere where they would talk about matters in a face-to-face and civil manner.
Minister Kabba wished him well and looked forward to receiving the new US ambassador to Sierra Leone.

Ghanaian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Her Excellency, Mrs. Worwornyo Agyema, said Sierra Leone has taken a seat on the US Security Council where Ghana was just exiting. She assured the Minister of Ghana’s support. She asked that Sierra Leone share notes on issues of illicit mining concerning Ghanaians.

EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Manuel Muller, appreciated the minister for the invitation and openness. He pledged the EU’s commitment to continue to work with the people of Sierra Leone and further emphasized his appreciation of the opportunity to continue to have a frank dialogue with honest intentions with the Government of Sierra Leone.
He said the EU Electoral Observer Mission’s final report on the conduct of the June elections will soon be out with the usual recommendations. He said the EU appreciated the government’s commitment to strengthening the electoral process in Sierra Leone but importantly appreciated the government’s effort in finding ways to dialogue and find a common ground among actors.
“We appreciate your government’s commitment to support peace in the region.
We appreciate Sierra Leone’s election into the UN Security Council, and we look forward to working with Sierra Leone as a member of the UN Security Council to support peace and security in the region”, he said.

The Director-General and Ambassador at Large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Victoria Sulimani thanked the diplomatic communities for their comments and reactions in the meeting which are all geared towards building and maintaining a strong bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and their nations.
She called on them to always engage the Ministry when they have concerns to address

News Brief!

MoFAIC Building, Tower Hill, Freetown, 7th August 2023

The British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Lisa Chesney today paid a courtesy call on the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Timothy Musa Kabba in his office at Tower Hill Freetown.

During the close discussion, Minister Kabba reiterated President Bio’s Government commitment to building strong bilateral and diplomatic ties with development partners.

Both the Minister and the High Commissioner discussed and agreed on resolving diplomatic concerns through appropriate diplomatic channels, citing the historical relations between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.

The High Commissioner reiterated UK government’ s neutrality in Sierra Leone’s domestic politics.

“The UK government is happy with President Bio’s Government decision to review the operations of ECSL” the envoy concluded.

From the Directorate of Strategic Communications
+23276571819

By the Directorate of Strategic Communications
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 /Radisson Blu, Freetown

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy M. Kabba has received the validated report on Sierra Leone’s Human Rights after a two-day inter-ministerial workshop.
In collaboration with the Center for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, the Foreign Affairs Ministry organized a two-day validation workshop on Sierra Leone’s State Party to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.

The team led by Matilda Lasseko-Phooko, Program Manager, Women’s Rights Unit of the University of Pretoria handed over the validated report on Wednesday to the Minister. Lasseko-Phooko noted that comments from the workshop were captured in the validated report.
Sierra Leone ratified the Maputo protocol in 2015. State parties commit to producing reports every two years. However, many regions either do not report accordingly or submit reports late, Foreign Affairs Director General and Ambassador at Large, Dr Victoria Sulimani who moderated the opening ceremony explained. Hence, the Radisson Blu training, she hoped, would support the groups attending to meet their reporting obligations. Sierra Leone has been popularizing and implementing the African Charter and the Maputo protocol but timely reporting remained a challenge, she emphasized.

“We are confident that this exercise will strengthen Sierra Leone’s human rights institutions, practices and policies”, keynote speaker, the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Timothy Musa Kabba said Tuesday.

In 2016, the African Commission issued its recommendations following the review of Sierra Leone’s human rights report. “We are therefore taking steps to bring up-to-date Sierra Leone’s State Reports under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights”, the minister said.
The essence of human rights reporting, he said was for governments to monitor human rights situations and where necessary review and update laws, policies and practices to better respect, protect and promote the human rights of their citizens. He said the Sierra Leone government under the leadership of President Bio is investing in human rights and promoting democracy through budgetary support to the Human Rights Commission, judiciary, National Commission for Democracy and other rights-promotion institutions.

He said the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone meets most of the provisions and aspirations of the Maputo Protocol. Where there are shortfalls, however, he said, the government has taken further steps by adopting pro-women policies and enacted legislations, citing the three Gender Acts of 2007, the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act of 2019 and the Women’s Empowerment Act of 2022 as examples.
“Today, women in Sierra Leone have the protection of the law so that those who commit rape and other sexual offenses against women and girls could face up to life imprisonment if convicted”, the minister asserted, adding that women lawmakers now account for 30.4% of the elected seats in parliament compared to 14.5% previously.
He appreciated the cross-section of civil society representatives, members of the inter-ministerial committee representing ministries, departments and agencies participating in the validation of Sierra Leone’s human rights report that will be submitted to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights.
The minister further appreciated the contribution of the Women’s Rights Unit at the Center for Human Rights from the University of Pretoria in South Africa which is helping to strengthen Sierra Leone’s state reporting capabilities.

The Chairperson Human Rights Commission, Patricia Narsu Ndanema expressed delight in the progress being made by Sierra Leone to submit a periodic report and emphasized that reporting creates a platform for the state to showcase the extent it has met human rights state obligations, of respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights within the specified human rights framework.
The chairman of, the National Commission for Democracy, Marian Samu and the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs Dr Isata Mahoi also spoke in support of the partnership that has moved the process to the validation stage.

One of the world’s most comprehensive and progressive women’s human rights instruments, the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa (‘the Maputo Protocol’) was adopted by Heads of State and Government in Maputo, Mozambique on 11 J

The Protocol guarantees extensive rights to African women and girls and includes progressive provisions on:
• Harmful traditional practices, eg child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM)
• Reproductive health and rights
• Roles in political processes
• Economic empowerment
• Ending violence against women
Human rights groups and civil societies in Sierra Leone including Women’s Forum Sierra Leone, Human Rights Defenders Network, Defence for Children, UPR Monitoring Group and One Family are participating in addition to representatives and members of Inter-Ministerial Committee representing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The team will over the two days work with the Center for Human Rights of the University of Pretoria to edit and validate the draft report covering the period 2015-2021. Sierra Leone last submitted its combined human rights reports under the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights in 2013.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation designate Mr Musa Timothy Kabbah was among the 13 Ministers who were approved today by parliament.

Mr. Kabba appeared before the Committee on Presidential Appointment and Public Service on Friday, July 21st, 2023, for screening and assessment of his suitability in terms of skills and qualifications for the new role of Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation to which he has been appointed.

Presenting the nominees in the Well of Parliament, the Leader of Government Business Honorable Matthew Nyuma, described them as fine gentlemen and ladies who have been appointed by His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio to deliver on his government’ five Big Changers. He noted that they were thoroughly grilled to ascertain their various qualifications in line with their appointments.
He called on those approved to work in the interest of the country and not to betray the trust of the President.

Honorable Member of Parliament from Kailahun district, Hindolo Gevao Esq, described the Foreign Minister’s appointment as a step in the right direction as the Minister designate has proven track records in his previous appointments.

Hon. Gevao admonished the Foreign Minister to address the challenges he would be faced with which may have also served as stumbling blocks for his predecessors.

Hon. Alice Konnia Sandy Esq. from Kenema District said that the appointment of Minister Timothy Kabba serves as a testament to the trust that President Bio has bestowed on the youths in terms of leadership.

Hon. Emerson Lamina from Kono District described Minister Timothy as a fine gentleman that changed the face of the mining sector in Sierra Leone.

“Timothy Kabba is amongst the best multilingual in this country. He was able to negotiate better mining agreements for this country through his diplomatic approach. We do not doubt that he would also succeed in his new assignment.

Other Honorable Members included Sheka Sama from Pujehun District, Veronica Kadie Sesay Bashiru Silikie, and Mohamed Bangura from the opposition All People’s Congress who made meaningful contributions on the appointment of Minister Timothy Kabba.

From the Directorate of Strategic Communications
MoFAIC, Tower Hill, Freetown.
+23276571819

Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Professor David John Francis has joined Colleague Foreign Ministers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the 42nd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council meeting organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) to consider the draft agenda, draft decisions and declarations with appropriate recommendations for consideration by the Heads of State and Government during their 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly, scheduled to take place on 18 and 19 February 2023.

Among the high moments during the Executive Council Session will be the election of Two (2) Judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, election of Six (6) Members of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption, nomination of Three (3) Judges to the Administrative Tribunal of the African Union, and appointment of One (1) Member of the AU Board of External Auditors, for the Two-Year Term, 2022 and 2023.

The Foreign Minister is also attending the Executive Council meeting to prepare for the presentation from His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at the Summit. President Julius Maada Bio’s presentations include two statements on the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) and Statement on Africa Peer Review Mechanism to colleague Heads of States and Governments.
President Bio is currently the Only African Leader that Chairs/Coordinates two AU mandated Committees, i.e. African Union Committee of Ten Heads of States and Governments (C-10) and the Africa Peer Review Mechanism.

Sierra Leone as Chair of the Africa Union Committee of Ten (C-10) has made much progress in the AU on the reform of the United Nations Security Council, while maintaining Africa’s Common Position, which called for no less than two permanent seats for Africa at the UN Security Council, abolition of veto or if it is retained should be extended to new permanent members.

The opening ceremony of the Executive Council Session took place in the presence of the leadership and officials of the AU Commission, Ministers from the AU Member States, officials of AU organs and offices and partners.