Deputy Ambassador Zhang Dianbin and the RAIC Delegation
The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) paid a courtesy call on the Chinese embassy in Freetown on Monday 10th February, 2025 to brief it on its mandate and explore potential collaboration on promoting access to information in Sierra Leone. This landmark meeting marks the first engagement between RAIC and the Chinese Embassy since the Commission’s establishment ten years ago.
Chairman and Information Commissioner of RAIC, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, stated that the Commission initiated the meeting to ensure that the Chinese Embassy is well-informed about RAIC’s mandate in the implementation of the Right to Access Information Act. Reflecting on RAIC’s achievements, Dr. Shaw highlighted that before he took over the Commission, RAIC had received only 112 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, a number that has risen significantly to 19,496 in 2023. He further noted that since 2019, Sierra Leone through his Commission has been participating in a UNESCO survey on SDG 16.10.2 which relates to public access to information and the protection of fundamental freedoms, adding that the country scored an impressive 98% in the 2022 MCC Score Card.
The RAIC boss encouraged the Chinese embassy to draw on the RAI law to request for information from any public authority in the country and assured them that such request would be responded to positively as long as such information does not fall among the exempt information such as personal data, or national security.
Dr. Shaw underscored key areas of potential collaboration between RAIC and the Chinese Embassy, particularly in capacity building for RAIC staff and study tours in various disciplines. He identified ICT, public information, records management, as priority areas for training. He also emphasized the significance of the Data Protection Bill, soon to go under parliamentary review, which, once enacted, would expand RAIC’s responsibilities and necessitate additional training for new staff.
Additionally, the Chairman requested support from the Chinese Embassy to enhance RAIC’s operational capacity. Dr. Shaw then presented copies of the Right to Access Information Act of 2013, the RAIC Regulations of 2022, and the 2023 Annual Report to the Deputy Ambassador.
Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw speaking to Deputy Amb. Zhang Dianbin
Welcoming the RAIC delegation, the Deputy Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone Zhang Dianbin expressed admiration for the Commission’s work and the progress outlined by Dr. Shaw and his team. He reaffirmed the Chinese Embassy’s commitment to fostering a strong relationship with RAIC and acknowledged the potential for collaboration on access to information, journalism, human rights, and governance.
The RAIC delegation included Western Region Commissioner Pastor Mohamed Sesay, Executive Secretary Hon. Mustapha Braima, Manager, Records and Open Data, Fanta Morgan, and Manager, Public Information and Communication, David Patrick Kamara.
For media inquiries, contact:
Amara Thoronka
Public Information & Communication Officer
RAIC – National Secretariat
+232 88 283632 / +232 78 231949