During his two days visit in Brussels, Belgium. Sierra Leone’s Vice President Hon. Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh engaged the Secretary General and other senior members of the European External Action Services (EEAS).
The Vice President was accompanied to the meeting by the Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Belgium Ambassador Samuel Tamba Musa, the Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to UK and the Head of Chancery of the Sierra Leone’s Embassy in Brussels.
On the side of the EEAS were Rita Laranjinha, Director for Africa and two other senior staff.
Giving updates on Sierra Leone, the Vice President informed the Secretary General about the Free Quality School Education Programme which has led to a substantial increase in school enrolment, especially on the part of the girl child. Further informing the group that protection of girls is a key priority of government and this is seen in the passing of a law by parliament baning child marriage in a bid to protect the rights of children but especially the girl child.
Vice President Dr Jalloh also spoke on the elevation of gender parity and women’s empowerment to an unprecedented level, whereby 30% of appointed and elected positions in parliament, cabinet and other spheres of governance are allocated to women.
In spite of the successes, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh mentioned that the country has also had its fair share of the impact of COVID and the war in Ukraine. As a result, prices of fuel and rice has increased considerably, even though Government continues to subsidize these crucial commodities.
In order to address these challenges, the Vice President added, Government has embarked on a flagship programme known as ‘’Feed Salone’’ which will focus on food sufficiency. He therefore called on the EU to continue its assistance with the construction of roads, so that sufficient food will reach every part of the country.
Speaking on the energy sector, Vice President Dr Jalloh highlighted the plans to address the current energy supply shortages through the approved $480 million grant by the MCC Board and cooperation with Senegal amongst others.
As the Tripartite Committee presented its report to the President, the VP explained to the EEAS team that after the 2023 general elections in the country, because the oppostion felt dissatisfied with the outcome, this was what prompted the President to set up the committee to reform the electoral systems.
The Committee’s Report, the Vice President said is a hope for future elections to not only be peaceful, credible, free and fair but also acceptable by all.
Speaking on Regional issues, the Vice President called on the EU and UN to work with ECOWAS to maintain stability in the region, with specific reference to the Sahel Region. He underscored that ECOWAS is working hard to bring back some of its members to occupy their rightful places and pursue democratic transition.
On his part, the Secretary General of the EEAS Stefano Sannino while commending the government of Sierra Leone, assured the Vice President of the continued support of the EU in Sierra Leone and the West African Region.
