By Demba Kangi Daramy,Information Attacheè, Embassy of Sierra Leone, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Sierra Leone’s highest-ranking official at the African Union, Dr. Alhaji Sajor Bah, Director of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), briefed Her Excellency Madam Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), on the pivotal role and mandate of his department in fostering peace and stability across the African continent.
The meeting took place during Madam Bio’s visit to Ethiopia, where Dr. Bah represented the Commissioner of PAPS, who was unable to attend the ceremony, marking her inauguration as President of OAFLAD.
During the briefing, held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Sheraton Hotel, Dr. Bah outlined the objectives of the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, which are guided by *Agenda 2063*. He highlighted *Aspiration Three*, envisioning an Africa characterized by good governance, democracy, human rights, justice, and the rule of law, and *Aspiration Four*, which calls for a peaceful and secure continent.
Dr. Bah emphasized PAPS’ commitment to supporting Member States, Regional Economic Commissions (RECs), and Regional Mechanisms (RMs) in preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts and crises.
He also underscored the department’s focus on youth participation in peacebuilding, governance, and security initiatives, as well as its efforts to protect children affected by armed conflicts by integrating child-sensitive approaches into conflict resolution and post-conflict recovery frameworks.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Bah congratulated Madam Fatima Maada Bio on her election as President of OAFLAD and assured her of PAPS’ unwavering support for the organization’s mission.
In her response, Madam Fatima Maada Bio expressed pride in seeing a Sierra Leonean holding such a prestigious position within the African Union.
She extended her best wishes to Dr. Bah and other Sierra Leoneans working at the AU, encouraging them to strive for even greater achievements.
Madam Bio commended the vital work of PAPS, particularly in addressing armed conflicts that disproportionately affect women and children.
She pledged to use her tenure as President of OAFLAD to champion the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups, especially women, who remain among the most affected by the continent’s challenges.
The meeting was attended by Her Excellency Ana Afonso Dias Lourenco, First Lady of Angola and Vice President of OAFLAD, as well as His Excellency Harold Bundu Saffa, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ethiopia, the African Union, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.