Commonwealth joins high-level mission to support dialogue and restore inclusive governance in Sierra Leone

The mission, convened by the International Moral Guarantors for the Agreement For National Unity in collaboration with the Commonwealth, reflects growing concern regarding the evolving political context in Sierra Leone and the complexities surrounding the implementation of the post-election agreement. The Commonwealth is one of the international partners that supported the dialogue process that led to the post-election peace agreement, alongside the Economic community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and the United Nations.

The facilitator of the mission, Ms. Fatoumata Tambajang, former Vice President of The Gambia and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), will lead consultations commencing this week.

The joint mission will focus on key priorities, including restoring the participation of all political actors in parliament and local councils, advancing the electoral reform agenda, strengthening inter-party dialogue mechanisms, and engaging civil society to support sustainable peace.

The Deputy Secretary-General reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law, and political inclusion in Sierra Leone. He said:

"Through our participation in this joint high-level mission, the Commonwealth seeks to support national stakeholders in rebuilding trust, advancing reforms, and upholding both the spirit and the letter of the 2023 Agreement of National Unity. In this regard, we appeal to all stakeholders to exercise restraint, refrain from actions or rhetoric that may heighten tensions, and engage constructively in dialogue to advance peace, stability and the well-being of the people of Sierra Leone."