The Office of the First Lady of Sierra Leone, hosted Ambassador Jean Todt, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Road Safety in a press conference, aimed at addressing road safety concerns in Sierra Leone. The event was held at the Office of the First Lady in Goderich, Freetown, and attended by various media houses.

The press conference was moderated by Wusu Daddida Jalloh, the spokesperson for the Office of the First Lady. He called the program to order and welcomed everyone present, setting a tone of anticipation and importance.

In her opening remarks, First Lady Fatima Bio underscored the significance of Ambassador Todt’s visit to Sierra Leone, highlighting the critical issue of road safety in the country. She emphasized the need for increased awareness and improved measures to ensure the safety of all road users in Sierra Leone. “Having the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Road Safety here with us is a testament to our commitment to addressing this urgent issue,” she said. “Road safety is not just a national concern but a global one, and we must work together to find solutions.” She also noted that the press conference provided an opportunity for the media to meet and interact with Ambassador Todt.

Ambassador Jean Todt, in his statement, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and shared the genesis of his collaboration with the First Lady, which began in Istanbul during the World Cities Day on Zero Waste. He praised Madam Fatima Bio’s dedication to the cause and stated, “When I leave, I’ll leave with hope and commitment.” His words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the global and local significance of road safety initiatives.

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The press conference then opened the floor to questions from the media. Journalists eagerly engaged with Ambassador Todt, focusing on various aspects of road safety and its importance to Sierra Leone and the broader African continent. Questions ranged from specific measures to improve road safety in Sierra Leone to broader strategies for reducing traffic-related fatalities and injuries across Africa.

The event concluded with a renewed sense of urgency and commitment to tackling road safety issues. The collaborative spirit between the Office of the First Lady and the United Nations Special Envoy on Road Safety was evident, promising a future where Sierra Leone’s roads are safer for all.

Earlier on Tuesday 18th June 2024, Jean Todt also meet with President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Bio at the State House. The purpose of the high-profile visit was to emphasize the critical importance of road safety in Sierra Leone, the region, and globally.

The meeting comes in the wake of the 2022 High-Level Meeting on Global Road Safety, where world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to reducing road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030, and Todt’s visit underscores the UN’s ongoing efforts to support national governments in implementing effective road safety strategies and policies.

Sierra Leone faces significant challenges in road safety, with high rates of traffic accidents leading to loss of life and economic setbacks. President Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio have been vocal advocates for improving road safety standards in the country. Their engagement with Todt highlights Sierra Leone’s commitment to adopting international best practices and innovations in road safety.

The discussions focused on key initiatives such as improving road infrastructure, enhancing traffic law enforcement, and promoting public awareness campaigns. Both parties expressed optimism that collaborative efforts and sustained investments will lead to safer roads and a reduction in traffic-related casualties in Sierra Leone.