By SaikuJohn Barrie

In a significant demonstration of steadfast dedication and unparalleled leadership, Dr. Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, the illustrious African Union(AU) director of the Conflict Management Directorate, Political Affairs, and Peace and Security Department, has once again proven his mettle.

His relentless advocacy for Sierra Leone’s sustained involvement in Somalia under the newly established African Union Stabilisation and Support in Somalia (AUSSOM) has garnered widespread admiration and commendation.

Thanks to his diplomatic skills and tenacity, Sierra Leonean Police and Military Officers will continue to serve in Somalia, consolidating the country’s contributions to defeating terrorism and silencing the guns in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

During the recent Ministerial Meeting of the Somalia Operations Coordination Committee (SOCC), held on 24-25 February 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a landmark decision on Troop and Police Contributing Countries was endorsed. This meeting, convened to deliberate on the crucial transition from AMISOM to AUSSOM, was graced by an array of high-ranking officials, including ministers, ambassadors, Chiefs of Defence Staff, Inspector Generals of Police, and the Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (CPAPS), under the stewardship of Dr. Bah himself.

The deliberations spanned a wide spectrum of critical issues, each underscoring the multifaceted dimensions of the transition and its implications for the region. Key among these were tributes paid to fallen heroes, the reaffirmation of the AU’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in Somalia, and the recognition of Somalia’s President’s leadership in the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab, a notorious terrorist group with strong links to Al-Qaeda and other international jihadists.

The meeting highlighted several pivotal aspects, including the necessity to build upon the achievements of previous missions, address specific capability gaps, and secure the support of the UN Security Council for a clear exit strategy. The operational deployment requirements, driven by updated geopolitical information and Somalia’s bilateral interactions with partners, were thoroughly examined.

Moreover, the deliberations delved into the realm of political stability and coordination, emphasizing the need for stronger cooperation between Somalia’s Federal Government (FGS) and Federal Member States (FMS). The imperative of addressing governance gaps to mitigate security risks was underscored, alongside the exploration of financial and logistical aspects, such as ATMIS financial liabilities, clear accountability, and resource tracking.

Somalia’s presentation on the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM outlined the deployment strategies across five key sectors, each led by different member states, with an emphasis on adaptability and seamless coordination. The outcome of these deliberations included enhanced security and threat response measures, the liquidation of ATMIS liabilities, improved operational and logistical coordination, and strengthened political and strategic dialogue.

Dr. Bah’s exceptional advocacy for Sierra Leone’s continued presence in Somalia under AUSSOM stands as a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to Sierra Leone and Africa. His tireless efforts have not only garnered respect and admiration but have also played a crucial role in ensuring a coordinated and effective transition.

As we reflect on the outcomes of the SOCC meeting, it becomes evident that the collective efforts and contributions of member states are instrumental in addressing the myriad challenges faced in this transition. The recognition of these efforts, coupled with a resolute commitment to mobilizing necessary resources, underscores the collaborative spirit that will drive AUSSOM’s success.

There is no gain saying that Dr. Bah’s distinguished contributions and visionary leadership continue to inspire and guide the path toward a more stable and peaceful Somalia. His firm dedication and excellence set a benchmark for all those committed to the noble cause of peace and security in Africa. He continues to inspire young Africans in the ideals of Pan-Africanism.

Put internal Affairs Minister Morie Lengoh’s pic

US$4 million GOLA-REAP Project to Launch at Bo Waterside, Liberia  to Strengthen Collaboration

The Minister of Internal Affairs from Liberia, Francis Sakila Nyumalin, his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Morie Lengor, and the UN Resident Coordinators for Liberia and Sierra Leone, Seraphine Wakana and Christine N. Umutoni respectively, led a significant event at Bo-Waterside, Liberia for the launch of the GOLA- REAP (Resilience, Empowerment, Access and Peacebuilding) project.

The initiative, US$4 million in catalytic funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), aims to enhance cross-border collaboration, resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and peacebuilding among communities, law enforcement, and government agencies in Liberia and Sierra Leone. PBF supports joint UN responses to address critical peacebuilding opportunities, connecting development, humanitarian, human rights and peacebuilding initiatives.

The GOLA-REAP project will be a collaborative effort bringing together diverse stakeholders including Government Representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture, Youth & Sports, Environment, Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), and their counterparts in Sierra Leone. Chiefdom members from both project sites, the local authorities, and other stakeholders and beneficiaries will also be at the launch.

The launch event will serve as a key milestone in officially presenting the project to stakeholders, highlighting its objectives and intended outcomes. These outcomes, which include strengthening peace, security, and resilience along the borders of the two countries, strengthening social cohesion, improving border management, enhancing local governance, and promoting climate-smart agriculture to mitigate conflict risks and foster economic resilience, offer a beacon of hope for the future.

The GOLA-REAP project is a joint effort led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The IOM will provide its expertise in migration and border management while the WFP will contribute its experience in food security and nutrition, in collaboration with national governments, local authorities, civil society organizations, and regional institutions such as the Mano River Union (MRU).

For further information, please contact:

In Monrovia, Serge Lenaud: slenaud@iom.int

In Freetown, Sam Whitlow: rwhitlow@iom.int