By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah
In his first official engagement with Diplomats resident in Sierra Leone, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba has called for coordination and cooperation between the government and the international community.
The minister made this statement in an interactive engagement with members of the diplomatic community in a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tower Hill, Freetown.
Addressing the diplomats, in the presence of the media, Kabba said Sierra Leone has successfully transitioned from her war past to that of a peaceful and developing nation.
On the issue of political dialogue, he mentioned the establishment of an Electoral System Review Committee which will comprise members of opposition parties and development partners that will be charged with the responsibility of looking into issues that happened during the June 24th General Elections.
He said President Bio was constitutionally elected and had received “global endorsement,’’ but stated that ’’the good practice may not be good enough for the opposition.’’
He however said his primary role is to build bridges, and that out of four hundred and four recommendations made after the 2018 general elections, seventy percent of them have been fully implemented.
Nigerian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Henry John Omaku who is Dean of the Diplomatic Community expressed appreciation on behalf of resident diplomats for being invited to such a meeting. He said they are heartened by the government’s openness and development priorities.
UK High Commissioner Lisa Chesney said the UK-Sierra Leone relation is strong and remains the same. She went on to say dialogue, building bridges and diversity are essential to a functioning democracy.
The new US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan D. Hunt said there has been a long-standing relationship between Sierra Leone and the USA but noted that his government was concerned over the election results. He added that differences must be resolved face-to-face in a civil manner.
EU Representative to Sierra Leone Manuel Muller spoke about the importance of firm and honest dialogue to speak openly. On June 24th elections, he said the EU will present its final report very soon.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing said his government is committed to supporting the Big Five Agenda of the Government of Sierra Leone.
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