Moral Guarantors Call for Revitalized Political Cooperation in Sierra Leone

Moral Guarantors Call for Revitalized Political Cooperation in Sierra Leone

The International Moral Guarantors responsible for overseeing the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) have issued a formal call for revitalized political cooperation within Sierra Leone. Stakeholders are urged to reinforce bilateral dialogue and expedite essential electoral reforms in preparation for the 2028 general elections.

A joint assessment mission—comprising representatives from ECOWAS, UNOWAS, and the Commonwealth—conducted a diplomatic visit to Sierra Leone from April 13 to 20, 2026. The primary objective was to evaluate the progress of the ANU and the implementation of recommendations from the Tripartite Committee Report.

The mission was co-led by H.E. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, H.E. Barrie Freeman of UNOWAS, and H.E. Ambassador Tanmaya Lal of the Commonwealth, with technical support from ECOWAS and United Nations delegates.

During the consultative process, the delegation engaged with President Julius Maada Bio, senior government officials, opposition leadership, electoral bodies, civil society organizations, and international development partners.

While the mission acknowledged the progress achieved to date, it emphasized that continuous dialogue and collaboration among political actors remain imperative for the comprehensive execution of the agreement.

The delegation expressed approval of the renewed commitments from both the government and the All Peoples Congress (APC) to foster institutional trust, improve communication channels, and support inclusive governance.

A formal statement from the mission highlighted the strategic necessity of consultation:

“The Mission underscores the significance of inclusive and sustained consultation and dialogue among all political stakeholders to guarantee a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process for 2028.”

The mission commended the introduction of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and called upon Parliament and relevant authorities to prioritize constitutional and electoral legislative reforms.

Furthermore, the guarantors advocated for the enhancement of voter registration systems, results management protocols, and overall electoral transparency to bolster public confidence in the democratic framework.

The delegation facilitated high-level mediation between the government and the APC, resulting in a consensus to restructure the Tripartite Steering Committee for improved representation and operational efficacy.

Significant outcomes included the proposed establishment of a parliamentary standing committee on electoral matters, the optimization of implementation frameworks, and the assembly of a legal expert team to guide the reform process.

The mission also noted formal pledges to strengthen national security coordination and to improve the quality of engagement between political stakeholders.

Regarding the national census, both parties affirmed the necessity of utilizing accurate population data for development planning and electoral accuracy. The government committed to an inclusive, stakeholder-driven methodology.

The mission formally requested that the APC and its elected representatives cease their boycott and engage fully in national governance across all institutional levels.

Political leaders and the citizenry were urged to refrain from hate speech and the dissemination of misinformation, which have the potential to compromise peace, stability, and national unity.

The Moral Guarantors reaffirmed their dedication to supporting Sierra Leone’s democratic evolution, maintaining that persistent dialogue is the cornerstone of sustainable peace.