By Mabinty M. Kamara
President Julius Maada Bio has assured Civil Society Organizations in Sierra Leone of a continued engagement and dialogue on national issues.
President Bio made this commitment at a meeting held last week at State House, with the goal of having a close discussion on recent national issues including the Corona Virus Disease.
Social restrictions amidst the ongoing pandemic meant everyone couldn’t be invited. Those who made it on the list represented a wide range of interests, from finance, to human rights, to governance, to gender to disability.
“I have personally invited representatives of Civil Society Organizations today to talk frankly about the relationship between government and civil society. But rest assured that beyond this meeting, we intend to continue hearing you out and staying engaged with every voice in the civil society space. That is because we believe, as a government, that each and every voice matters and each and every voice makes our democracy better and stronger,” Bio said.
The President then thanked members of the Civil Society for their diverse support to the Government’s response to COVID-19 through direct support and other initiatives, advocacy, social mobilization, and also reiterating Government’s appeal to citizens to adhere to all Covid-19 healthcare and other directives.
He said his government had strengthened healthcare systems and implemented measured policies to prevent, protect against, and curtail the spread of COVID-19, noting that as a government, they recognized that they should do more and would continue to do more to manage and eventually defeat COVID-19 in Sierra Leone.
During the meeting, Bio also highlighted the aim of his new economic program titled: “Quick Action Economic Recovery Programme (QAERP)”. He said the program is aimed at sustaining the supply of essential food and other commodities whiles bolstering the economy through the COVID-19 period.
“We anticipate that with these common-sense measures, our economy will remain relatively buoyant through this period and be well-positioned for take-off in the post-COVID-19 phase,” he noted.
President Bio also briefed the activists on the move made by the Government to fully investigate recent spate of violence at Pademba Road, Lunsar, Foredugu, and Tombo, whiles he appreciates their efforts in condemning the violence out rightly and for taking the strong view that violence is inimical to peace, stability, and development.
“We note the sundry concerns around the issue and we will work on recalibrating next steps accordingly,” he said.
Bio encouraged CSO’s to continue to speak up and contribute to national debates.
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