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Former President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, has urged the AU, the UN, and other international organisations to pay closer attention to political transitions on the continent, which he said could trigger conflicts if not well managed.
“It is critical for the AU to pay closer attention to political transitions and ensure guarantees particularly for leaders who, on their own volition, preside over free, fair and credible elections and graciously hand over power,” he said.
Ex-president Koroma, whose peacebuilding credentials are widely acclaimed in the international community, spoke on Wednesday 3rd November 2021 at “AU High-Level debate on silencing the guns,” held at the Sarit Expo Centre Nairobi.
Former President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, has urged the AU, the UN, and other international organisations to pay closer attention to political transitions on the continent, which he said could trigger conflicts if not well managed.
President Koroma’s outstanding leadership continues to be highlighted and used as a reference point during leadership discourses in international circles. Last evening, at the working dinner, themed: “The Future of Mediation in the Age of Globalisation,” which was part of the Three Day AU 12th High-Level retreat on the promotion of peace, security, and stability, the Sierra Leonean statesman was called upon to share his experience and reflections on how, under his astute leadership, the AU successfully pacified an otherwise potentially explosive political transition in Zambia. In doing so, President Koroma reiterated his strong views on the link between the safeguards of democracy, human rights, and political conflicts.
In concurrence, Hannah Tetteh, the UNSRSG and head of the United Nations Office at the AU, expressed concern over the pattern of harassment and antagonism against outgoing leaders by the successors.
“It is unfortunate that it is becoming common that as they attain power, new governments would suddenly consider all former ministers as thieves. Even worse, they would embark on dismissing public servants perceived as having links with the previous administration”, the UN envoy said. She lamented the negative impact such unfortunate development would have on the effective governing of the state.
Not surprising, therefore, that the former Kenyan Permanent Representative to the United Nations and former Chair of the Peace Building Commission (PBC), Ambassador Macharia Kamau, used the occasion to acknowledge President Koroma’s highly acclaimed peacebuilding record, describing him as a highly celebrated and distinguished leader.
Ambassador Kamau, who represented Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, spoke at the closing session of the Three-Day AU High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security, and Stability in Africa.
Kamau visited Sierra Leone in 2016 as part of the UN’s follow-up on the country’s peace-building efforts. He recalled that Sierra Leone achieved extraordinary success in peacebuilding and peace consolidation under the leadership of President Koroma.
