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At the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Yokohama Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh called for international attention on poverty as a main cause of conflict and insecurity.
His remarks brought focus to how poverty impacts peace and stability within the country and across the region.
He said any effort to build peace must begin by understanding and addressing poverty. Sierra Leone presented the view that development and stability are closely linked and progress in one depends on progress in the other. The Chief Minister stressed that neither can be fully achieved without the other.
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Throughout the event he linked every issue discussed to this core message. Whether in food systems, education, or energy the focus was on building solutions that reduce poverty and prevent future conflict.
In a meeting with the World Food Programme he pushed for expanding the use of local food in school meals. He said this is not only about nutrition or education but also about creating jobs and keeping communities strong. Local procurement strengthens economies at the grassroots and supports sustainable growth.
He also spoke with global finance leaders about new ways to fund energy access. Chief Minister Sengeh said energy access is important for improving health, education, creating jobs, and supporting peace in Sierra Leone. Chief Minister Sengeh noted that access to reliable energy supports multiple areas of development and stability.
In sessions on peace and security he pointed to national institutions created in recent years to help prevent crises and manage risks. These include agencies for health, disaster response, and peacebuilding. The work of these institutions contributes to resilience and cohesion.
While meeting with Japan’s Foreign Minister he spoke about how global partnerships must also help tackle the root causes of conflict. The two discussed cooperation in agriculture, mining, and youth development. All efforts are aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.
Sierra Leone used its platform at TICAD9 to make clear that poverty is not just an economic issue. It is also a security concern. The country called on international partners to focus on inclusive development aimed at reducing poverty and improving stability.
