By Alpha Abu
Member States of the regional bloc, ECOWAS have urged both the Government of Sierra Leone and the main opposition All People’s Congress to commit themselves within the stipulated time frame regarding implementation of the ‘Agreement for National Unity’ both sides signed to recently and to be steadfast in “resolving all differences within the agreement’s framework’’.
The appeal was part of a final communiqué by ECOWAS- addressing various regional issues, at the end of its 65th Ordinary session held in the Nigerian Capital, Abuja, over the weekend.
ECOWAS also urged all stakeholders in Sierra Leone to exercise their commitment to the Report of the Tripartite Committee and desist from any acts of violence that could further heighten tension in the country.
Development partners were also encouraged to “continue supporting the Government and the people of Sierra Leone in consolidating democracy, peace and socio-economic development’’.
Another issue related to Sierra Leone that was mentioned in the communiqué was that of the country serving as a base for an ECOWAS stabilization Force that is being put together.
To this end, the Authority of heads of state wants the bloc and a Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to expedite arrangements with countries that will be contributing troops to such a mission.
The President of Sierra Leone, Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio attended the ECOWAS Summit alongside fellow Heads of States and representatives of government.
Following the June 2023 General Elections that the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party won on first ballot, the main opposition alleged irregularities in the polls- a situation that polarized the country.
Apart from a few dissensions, most APC Members of Parliament then decided to boycott sittings in the assembly, in protest. The MPs were eventually persuaded to take their seats after a series of engagements with various stakeholders. But with the opposition still raising issues about the conduct of the polls, the Commonwealth, United States, African Union, ECOWAS and other development partners decided to broker a dialogue between the two parties.
The idea of a Tripartite Committee comprising representatives of Government, the APC and the foreign partners was conceived and established, to look at the pitfalls of the general electioneering process in Sierra Leone over the years, and to proffer lasting recommendations that would form the basis for the general conduct of future elections in the country. For some seven months the Tripartite Committee was locked in closed door meetings at Brookfields Hotel, west of Freetown, which then came up with a prepared document containing the recommendations and the agreement for national unity. The document has since been presented to President Bio at the State House.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (10/07/24)
