By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
In a bid to widen the country’s reach on the Global stage, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) is set to broaden Sierra Leone’s diplomatic and international political representation.
The ministry was presenting its annual budget to the Ministry of Finance, Freetown on the 20th of October 2023.
Presenting the budget on behalf of the ministry, Director of Administration and Finance, Aiah Edwin Mbawa noted that part of the ministry’s key deliverables for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 is to enact the Foreign Service Bill and also successfully operationalize Sierra Leone’s tenure from 2024 to 2025 at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
He stated that they also aim to undertake a comprehensive infrastructure development plan for Sierra Leone’s diplomatic representatives abroad.
He also spoke of plans to overhaul the Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) infrastructure for the digitalization of systems and processes.
For FY 2023, Mbawa stated that they promoted and facilitated the launch and campaign for Sierra Leone’s bid for a seat in the non-permanent category of the UNSC which has been secured with an “overwhelming majority.” He added that they have completed the Ambassador’s residence in Ethiopia among other deliverables achieved by the ministry.
While explaining the strategic priorities of the ministry, he pointed out that the overarching goal in the 21st Century is for the MOFAIC to focus on its future direction and to ably respond to the changing international diplomatic and multilateral environment in pursuance of the country’s foreign policy objectives and national interest.
He said the key milestone of the ministry is to maximize the implementation of the Foreign Policy objectives and the projection of the national interests of Sierra Leone. He also said that the ministry prioritizes respect for international law and treaty obligations, as well as support for the settlement of international disputes by negotiation, conciliation, arbitration, or adjudication.
Irrespective of the aforementioned achievements made by the ministry, Director Mbawa stated that they are challenged with paucity and untimely provision of funds. He also said that they are challenged with human capacity gaps as a result of the moratorium on recruitment. He added that they face challenges of other charges for overseas missions not remitted by the Ministry of Finance on time.
The ministry submitted a budget estimate of NLE 304,765,333,30 (three hundred and four million, seven hundred and sixty-five thousand, three hundred and thirty-three thousand New Leones) for allocation for FY 2024.
The mandate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is to pursue Sierra Leone’s Foreign Policy objectives and the promotion and protection of the National interest.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (20/10/23)
