The Sierra Leone Delegation, on Tuesday, December 5th presented its country report to the Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament. The report highlighted the country’s achievements and challenges in the areas of politics, security, health, human rights, economy, environment, and implementation of ECOWAS protocols.
In the political sphere, the report says, Sierra Leone held its Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council elections on June 24, 2023. “The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), led by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, won the elections with more seats in both Parliament and the Local Councils than the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party and other registered political parties.”
On the security front, “Sierra Leone continues to make progress in its democratic and security governance. The country has been ranked as the most peaceful in West Africa and 2nd in Africa in the 2023 Global Peace Index.”
Regarding the health sector, the Government of Sierra Leone is taking steps to improve primary health care in the country. The government is also working to improve the quality of mental health care in Sierra Leone.
In the area of human rights, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) is the statutory body charged with the mandate to protect and promote human rights in the country. The HRCSL has made significant progress in raising awareness of human rights in Sierra Leone.
Turning to the economy, Sierra Leone is facing some economic challenges, including high inflation, depreciation of the currency, and a high level of unemployment. However, the government is implementing several policies to boost economic growth, including the “Feed the Nation” initiative and the Youth Empowerment Scheme.
Concerning the environment, environmental degradation is a major challenge in Sierra Leone. The report however assured that government is working to address this challenge by promoting sustainable forestry practices and reducing pollution.”
Finally, on the status of implementation of ECOWAS protocols, Sierra Leone explained that it is committed to implementing the Community Texts and Protocols of ECOWAS. “The country has ratified 42 of the 54 Protocols and is working to ratify the remaining 12.”
The Sierra Leone Delegation concluded its report by reiterating its commitment to working with the ECOWAS Parliament to achieve the goals and objectives of the Community. The Delegation expressed its belief that ECOWAS can play a vital role in promoting peace, security, and development in West Africa.
By Omonu YG Nelson
