The International Rescue Committee (IRC) West Africa, Regional Vice President, Modou Diaw, on Monday 27th March 2023 paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai, at his Tower Hill Office in Freetown.

During the visit, a lot of developmental issues of mutual interest were discussed ranging from strengthened collaboration, the
Development Cooperation Framework (DCF), the role NGOs play in the implementation of the MTNDP, containing the COVID-19 Virus and the government’s development priorities in the current challenging global economic environment.

Mr. Modou Diaw thanked the minister and appreciated him for the close collaboration that has been established between the government and NGOs; thereby creating strength and effective relationships.

He stated that out of his 11 years of work with IRC, Sierra Leone has been the country with more close and more effective collaborations with NGOs.

He assured the minister of his Organization’s continued support to achieve the government’s aspirations; where he also disclosed his organization’s interest in providing additional resources and support to Sierra Leone, aimed at reaching more beneficiaries within the country.

The Minister while making a statement, thanked and welcomed Mr. Diaw to Sierra Leone and acknowledged IRC’s role and continued support to the government and people of Sierra Leone in areas of emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services as well as advocacy for those uprooted or affected by oppression, among others.

He commended the Country Office for aligning its programs to the country’s National Development Plan (MTNDP-2019-2023) and made mentioned the close collaboration showcased by the organization in achieving the standards set by the government.

He further praised the Country’s Director of IRC Saffia Senesie, on his role played in the development of the review of the DCF.

Dr. Kai-Kai also highlighted and elaborated on his remarkable experiences gained in Liberia while dealing with NGOs and the government, and described it to be insightful.

He assured the IRC’s Regional Vice President and Team of the government’s unwavering commitment to creating more space for the operations of NGOs in Sierra Leone.

Eric Massallay, Director, NGOs Affairs, MoPED, thanked the Regional Vice President and Teafor for the good work relationship exhibited and assured them of an effective and sustained partnership.