Sierra Leone's former president, Ernest Bai Koroma on Monday 11 October met with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General (UNSRSG) for West Africa and the Sahel, Ambassador Mahamet Saleh Annadif.
The SRSG was accompanied by the UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Dr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi.
Before their closed door meeting, Ambassador Annadif said that it was important to meet with former leaders not only to get their perspectives on critical issues, but also to show their example to the youth that there is life after the presidency, according to a statement from the Office of the former president.
Koroma recalled that during his tenure, his government worked very hard, particularly with the UN, to deepen democracy, peace and national cohesion.
"This is why I remain committed to the issues of peace, good governance and national cohesion because I believe that without peace development will be difficult," he is quoted as saying.
He said peace, democracy and good governance formed part of the legacy of his leadership, and assured Ambassador Annadif that he stood ready to support efforts geared towards strengthening these values.
UN sources told Politico that the SRSG stressed the need for a peaceful election in 2023 and with Koroma being the leader of the opposition they wanted to have his buy-in.
In another engagement the newly appointed European Union (EU) Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Manuel Muller also held talks on Tuesday 12 October with the former president. The meeting centered on good governance, the rule of law, peace and national cohesion, Koroma’s office says.
Copyright © Politico Online 13/10/21
