By Alimamy Lahai Kamara
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The newly established Tripartite Steering Committee Secretariat, led by Coordinator Ngolo Katta, is actively tracking and coordinating the implementation of the tripartite recommendations across various institutions. During courtesy calls on Tuesday and Wednesday, Katta introduced the Secretariat to the heads of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECLS) and the Office of National Security (ONS), emphasizing the urgency of addressing all 80 recommendations, particularly those requiring administrative, operational, and legal reforms.
Katta highlighted the development of trackers to monitor the implementation of recommendations and the importance of meeting timelines for key recommendations. The ECLS has identified 57 recommendations, some of which require collaboration with other agencies such as the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and the ONS. The Tripartite Secretariat, housed at the Public Service Reform Unit office on Wesley Street, Freetown, coordinates these shared responsibilities.
The Secretariat, established by recommendation 80 of the Tripartite Report, reports to the Steering Committee (SC) headed by the Chief Minister. The SC comprises government institutions relevant to elections management, civil society organizations (CSOs), political parties, mayors, paramount chiefs, and Members of Parliament (MPs).
Chief Electoral Commissioner Mohamed Konneh welcomed the Secretariat and shared that the ECLS has developed a spreadsheet identifying 57 recommendations, some of which will be implemented jointly with sister agencies. Konneh mentioned ongoing activities such as the BRIDGE capacity building training for 25 staff, supported by International IDEA through the European Union (EU). Policies on information and consultation are being developed by a local consultant with EU support. The Public Service Reform Unit (PSRU) has conducted a Management and Functional Review of the ECLS, with the report expected to be published by early March 2025.
National Security Coordinator Abdulai Caulker pledged cooperation with the Secretariat and reported progress in implementing the 10 recommendations related to the ONS. Plans are underway for District Risk Mapping and training of security sector personnel, including prison officers and chiefdom officers, to manage polling stations during voting. Consultants will be hired to develop training manuals and other documents to guide actions within these components.
On Thursday, February 20, Katta briefed international partners at the Irish Embassy on the establishment of the Secretariat, its commencement of work, and its relationship with the Office of the Chief Minister. Katta informed partners that the government has provided seed money for the Secretariat, covering office accessories and other utilities, and supporting some activities. Partners expressed concerns about time-bound recommendations yet to be implemented and funding challenges slowing the Secretariat’s work.
The Secretariat continues to collaborate with partners, including UNDP, IDEA International, NDI, Iceland Embassy, Irish Embassy, and US Embassy, to access funds for implementing recommendations and informing the public on progress. In a briefing with Chief Minister David Sengeh, the government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Secretariat in coordinating the implementation of the 80 recommendations. Sengeh urged the Secretariat to increase its speed, involve the public in progress updates, and coordinate efforts of the MDAs in implementing the recommendations.
The Secretariat is scheduled to continue its tracking exercises and will meet with CSOs, political parties, paramount chiefs, MPs, election management bodies, and the public.