Brussels, September 10, 2024 the West Africa Group of Ambassadors (WADA) in Belgium paid a visit to Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, expressing commendation for His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s recent role as Chairman of the United Nations Security Council session in August, 2024.
The WADA delegation, comprising Ambassadors from Ghana, The Gambia, ECOWAS, and Burkina Faso, seized the opportunity to further praise President Bio for Sierra Leone’s membership in the UN Security Council. They acknowledged the President’s message of unity during his tenure as Council Chairman.
Among the WADA Ambassadors were H.E. Pa Musa Jobarteh of The Gambia, H.E. Henry Tachie-Menson of Ghana, and H.E. Jonas Hemou of ECOWAS.
Ambassador Leopold Tonguenoma Bonkoungou, WADA Coordinator, conveyed appreciation on behalf of his colleagues: “We extend our congratulations on the occasion of Sierra Leone’s Independence Day. Although our visit is belated due to time constraints, it symbolizes our solidarity and best wishes for peace and prosperity to your government and people.”
Emphasizing solidarity and fraternity, Ambassador Bonkoungou praised Sierra Leone’s UN Security Council membership and its role in representing West Africa and the continent on the global stage.
In response, Ambassador Samuel Tamba Musa welcomed the delegation, emphasizing their visit’s significance despite the passed Independence Day celebration. He recognized their commitment to West African cooperation and brotherhood.
Ambassador Musa highlighted Sierra Leone’s achievements underpinned by leaving no one behind, including: Free Quality Education: Millions of children now benefit from free quality education, a transformative initiative and Sierra Leone allocates 21% of its national budget to support this program.
He also spoke on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment this has necessitated the passing and signing of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act which reserves 30% of appointed positions for women and grants them other benefits.
Regarding Sierra Leone’s UN Security Council seat, as a non-permanent member, Ambassador Musa expressed sincere gratitude for the unwavering support of the West Africa member states for Sierra Leone’s UNSC membership.
He echoed President Bio’s stance on historical injustices faced by Africa within the UN structure. The achievement is monumental, not only for Sierra Leone but for Africa. “It reflects our growing international prominence and President Bio’s tireless advocacy for global peace and security.”
Sierra Leone will actively shape resolutions, engage in decision-making, and champion the interests of African nations and other developing countries, the Ambassador further emphasized.