By Alpha Abu
The Institute for Economics and Peace has rated Sierra Leone as the fourth most peaceful country in Africa for the year 2022. Maritus topped the rankings, followed by Ghana and Botswana.
Sierra Leone scored 1.81 on the Global Peace Index (GPI) released by the institute.
It’s been reported that before releasing the GPI report, the institute measured the 23 peace indicators with particular focus on societal safety and security, militarisation, and international and domestic conflict. Mauritius scored 1.54, Ghana 1.72 and Botswana 1.75.
Sierra Leone has made steady progress in recent years in the areas of peace and stability. An update from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the country’s latest impressive rating by the Institute for Economics and Peace as well as those from other institutions like the World Bank and the Millenium Challenge Corporation “are all unique selling points for the country’s bid for a seat in the United Nations Security Council”, for the period 2024-2025.
In another development, President Julius Maada Bio who is on a state visit to the gulf country of Qatar is due to hold talks with key Qatari institutions including the Investment Fund, Chamber of Commerce, the Fund for Development, and the Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. President Bio who is accompanied by Foreign Minister Professor David Francis will have bilateral discussions with Sheikh Tamin Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the state of Qatar.
According to the foreign office in Freetown, President Bio is expected to stimulate greater interest for Sierra Leone as a “new destination for trade and investment”.
Copyright ©Politico Online (20/06/22)
