By Sallieu S. Kanu
The annual Political Partnership Dialogue between the Government of
Sierra Leone, GoSL, and the European Union (EU) took place on Tuesday at State House in Freetown, according to a joint communique by the GoSL and EU.
The session was chaired by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and attended by ministers and senior government officials, while European Union Ambassador Jacek Jankowski co-chaired, accompanied by the ambassadors of Ireland –Ambassador Aidan Fitzpatrick–, and Spain –Ambassador Ángel Carrascal Gutiérrez–, the deputy heads of missions of Denmark, Germany and Hungary, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain.
During this event, the European Union Ambassador endorsed the disbursement of NLe 275 million (EUR 11 million), the first under the European Union’s “Nature Nourishes” Budget Support, which is a grant directly channeled into the government’s Treasury. In line with the Global Gateway strategy of the EU and Sierra Leone’s Medium Term National Development Plan 2024-2030, “Nature Nourishes” focuses on enhancing
the country’s resilience against internal and external shocks, safeguarding the environment,
and improving educational outcomes. This disbursement is part of the approximate total
amount of 2 billion New Leones (EUR 80 million) of grants disbursed by the EU and its Member States in support of Sierra Leone in 2024.
At the outset, both parties celebrated the regular holding of such dialogue session on a regular basis over the years, a sure sign of steadfast partnership, now held under the renewed legal framework of the Samoa Agreement –signed on November 15, 2023 between the European Union, and the 79 Member States of the Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), of which Sierra Leone is a member.
During the discussions, the two parties engaged in constructive exchanges along four broad ambitious themes:
1) a vibrant democracy and respect of the rule of law;
2) Sierra Leone in the region and in the world;
3) good public administration; and
4) sound, stable, competitive business environment.
The dialogue commenced with remarks from H.E. President Maada Bio, who emphasized the importance of the EU’s support in consolidating democracy and fostering sustainable development in Sierra Leone. He expressed appreciation for the EU’s ongoing assistance and
reiterated the government’s dedication to implementing reforms that promote democracy,
transparency and good governance.
The EU reiterated its support for the ongoing political reform process, emphasizing the
importance of reinforcing public trust in the electoral system. Both parties acknowledged
Team Europe’s valuable past and present support to the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone and other institutions holding relevant responsibilities in the democratic process.
The place of Sierra Leone in the world, with its positive global role played as a member of the UN Security Council, was also a topic of the discussions, and the EU expressed sincere appreciation for the very constructive role played by the government in dealing with the crisis in the region, such as the Sahel and the Great Lakes, but also with crucial global hotspot, from Ukraine to Israel and Palestine.
Both sides strongly underlined their shared commitment to a rules-based world order within the United Nations framework. Both parties emphasized their steadfast commitment to universal respect, observance, and protection of Human Rights and fundamental freedom for all.
Security in the region is in danger. Therefore, Sierra Leone and the EU agreed to continue working together for peace and stability through upholding democratic principles and processes within ECOWAS and the continent. Maritime security is an essential dimension of this vision.
Furthermore, the EU – Sierra Leone dialogue session provided an opportunity for a frank exchange on conditions that would foster a more conducive environment for investment in Sierra Leone. Genuine commitment to good governance, the Rule of Law, and the fight against corruption will represent the strongest argument for attracting investors.
Both the Government of Sierra Leone and the EU
reaffirmed their commitment to continue regular political partnership dialogue on issues of
common interest. They agreed to follow up on the conclusions and agreements reached during this session, ensuring that the partnership remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of Sierra Leone, through flexible follow-up arrangements to ensure effective implementation of the points of conclusion and agreements reached during this dialogue.