By Kemo Cham
Some 8-years after his unceremonious departure from Sierra Leone, German diplomat and ex-UN official, Michael von der Schulenburg returned to the country a triumphant man.
Mr Schulenburg was honored with one of Sierra Leone’s highest awards - Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic – by President Julius Maada Bio last week.
A statement from the presidency on Friday said the German born diplomat was recognized for his “exceptional contribution” to sustainable peace and democracy in the country.
Schulenburg first came to Sierra Leone in 2009 as Executive Representative of the United Nations Secretary General. This was at a time when the country was still struggling under the effect of the eleven years civil war.
The UN, which was very instrumental in the restoration of peace to the country, was also very heavily involved in the peace consolidation. In 2009 the UN’s office was transformed to a fully Integrated Peace Building Office in Sierra Leone, called UNIPSIL.
Its mandate included coordination of development assistance, humanitarian aid and managerial reforms in the country. It also worked on combating illicit drug trafficking to conflict resolution and political affairs.
In 2012, Schulenburg unceremoniously left the country amidst speculation about soured relationship with the then government of Ernest Bai Koroma. It later emerged that he had been forced out of the country on orders of Koroma’s regime which wasn’t with the German’s relationship with opposition politicians, on the eve of that year’s general elections.
Schulenburg was quoted in the State House press statement saying he was both honoured and excited to be a recipient of the award, describing it as the “greatest honour” he had received in life, especially coming from Sierra Leone, which was his last posting for the UN.
“This is a great honour and a sign of confidence from a people and a government and for which I and my family are proud. Sierra Leone is on the right track and I wish you all the best and successes for the future,” he said.
President Bio was also quoted praising Mr Schulenburg for his contributions to the country peace and development.
Reports indicate that Mr Schulenburg visited former President Ernest Bai Koroma in Makeni and held talks with him.
A press statement from the office of the former president cited Schulenburg saying he decided to drive all the way to Makeni to see Koroma “as a sign of the abiding respect and the deep admiration he had” for the retired president.
“Mr. Schulenburg emphasized on the need for continuous dialogue amongst Sierra Leoneans and reminded of how Africa has very unique conflict resolution traits fashioned as the 'Palaver Hut Methodology' and which encouraged and promoted dialogue,” the statement adds.
Koroma reported said reiterated the need for dialogue in nation building, noting that that had been his position since he left office.
"As I stated in my Handing Over notes to H.E. President Bio and which I have re-stated at every opportunity since then, I am always ready to assist in any way possible to promote peace, unity and development in Sierra Leone," Koroma said.
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