By Alpha Abu
Sierra Leone and Senegal have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger economic and development ties in a joint communiqué at State House yesterday, following a day’s working visit to Freetown by the Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The communiqué which is an upgrade of a joint economic cooperation agreement signed between the two countries some three years ago, highlighted the strengthening of aviation relations and development engagements in various other sectors.
Madam Yassine Fall – the Foreign Minister of Senegal and Acting Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone, Madam Francess P. Alghali signed the document on behalf of their respective countries, an event witnessed by Senegalese officials and their Sierra Leonean counterparts including Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura – Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Senegal Alhaji Brima Elvis Koroma also witnessed the signing of the communiqué.
In the communiqué both presidents expressed complimentary statements acknowledging their various contributions to the development of their respective nations.
President Faye spoke highly of President Bio’s Human Capital Development programme, his leadership at the African Union (AU) Committee of 10 to review Africa’s role at the UN Security Council, and Sierra Leone’s election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. Faye also congratulated Bio for his re-election in the June 2023 General Elections.
President Bio on his part also congratulated Faye for his victory at the polls. He said the Senegalese President’s election this year serves as a beacon of hope for young people across the African Continent.
President Faye and his entourage arrived at the Freetown International Airport Lungi, Thursday morning and were received by the Vice President of Sierra Leone Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh who then accompanied them across the Freetown bay to meet with President Bio.
At the Government Wharf in the central business district of Freetown, Senegalese residing in Sierra Leone welcomed their leader with traditional performances.
Both presidents later held close door discussions before Faye and his delegation left for Senegal.
Faye was elected into office following the March 2024 polls in a wave of phenomenal youthful exuberance and support, becoming the youngest elected civilian President in Africa at 44.
Both Sierra Leone and Senegal share common ties. Senegalese troops were part of the multi-national force that helped bring stability to Sierra Leone after 11 years of civil war.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (14/06/24)
