A joint mission from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) has arrived in Sierra Leone.

This follows the “Agreement for National Unity” signed between the Government of Sierra Leone and the All Peoples Congress (APC) party. This significant diplomatic effort underscores the international community’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in Sierra Leone.

The mission is spearheaded by H.E. Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), alongside H.E. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former Vice President of The Gambia. This joint endeavor, initiated by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, in collaboration with H.E. Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and H.E. Leonardo Santos Simão, highlights the concerted efforts of regional and international bodies in supporting Sierra Leone’s path to unity and development.

The Agreement for National Unity, signed on 18 October 2023, marks a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s political landscape. It aims to bridge the divide between the government and the APC party, fostering a collaborative approach to governance. The mission’s primary objective is to meet with key stakeholders, including senior government officials, APC leadership, other political parties, and relevant actors within the security sector. These discussions will provide a comprehensive assessment of the implementation progress of the agreement.

The mission will also engage with the Tripartite Committee, a crucial entity in the agreement’s framework, and will pay a courtesy visit to President Maada Bio. This engagement underscores the importance of high-level dialogue and cooperation in achieving the agreement’s objectives.

As moral guarantors of the agreement, the ECOWAS-AU-UNOWAS mission has emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability. They urge all political actors and citizens to remain calm and prioritize the nation’s unity above partisan interests.

This visit reaffirms the international community’s steadfast support for Sierra Leone’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and unity. The collaborative efforts of ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations reflect a shared commitment to ensuring that the principles of the Agreement for National Unity are upheld and that Sierra Leone continues on its path towards sustainable development and harmonious coexistence.

For Sierra Leone, this mission represents not just an assessment but a reinforcement of hope and a commitment to a united future. The outcomes of this visit are keenly anticipated by all who have a stake in the peace and stability of the nation.