CFN Elects New National Executive to Lead Child Advocacy Efforts
The Children’s Forum Network (CFN) has elected a new national executive, according to information provided about the organization’s latest leadership elections.
The new executive is led by Sheriff Bangura as president, with Mustapha Yembai Kallon serving as vice president. Marie Sowa was elected secretary general, while Sulaiman Kargbo takes the role of public relations officer.
The election was reportedly supervised by the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA), with support from Plan International and Save the Children.
The leadership change comes as CFN continues its role as a child-led advocacy platform focused on ensuring that children’s views are represented in discussions and decisions affecting them. Sources describe the network as a platform through which children participate in advocacy and decision-making processes in Sierra Leone.
The newly elected officials are expected to represent the interests and concerns of children during their term, building on CFN’s established role in promoting child participation and children’s rights.
Meanwhile, the erstwhile President, Philipa Cride-Dole complained that she was not allowed to the hall during the election process.
“They denied me, the outgoing National Children’s President, entry into my own election hall today,” Philipa noted on Facebook.
Also, lawyers representing one of the presidential candidates, Mary Julius, have asked the MoGCA to suspend the election after their client was disqualified.
Mary’s representatives stressed that their client’s was under 18 before the election and thereby qualifies for the election.