The annual Political Partnership Dialogue between the Government of the Republic of

Sierra Leone and the European Union (EU) took place today at State House in Freetown.

The session was chaired by H.E. Rtd. Brigadier General Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President

of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and attended by ministers and senior government officials,

while European Union Ambassador Jacek Jankowski co-chaired, accompanied by the

ambassadors of Ireland –Ambassador Aidan Fitzpatrick–, and Spain –Ambassador Ángel

Carrascal Gutiérrez–, the deputy heads of missions of Denmark, Germany and Hungary,

and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain.

During this event, the European Union Ambassador endorsed the disbursement of 275

million New Leones (EUR 11 million), the first under the European Union’s “Nature

Nourishes” Budget Support, which is a grant directly channelled into the government’s

Treasury. In line with the Global Gateway strategy of the EU and Sierra Leone’s Medium

Term National Development Plan 2024-2030, “Nature Nourishes” focuses on enhancing

the country’s resilience against internal and external shocks, safeguarding the environment,

and improving educational outcomes. This disbursement is part of the approximate total

amount of 2 billion New Leones (EUR 80 million) of grants disbursed by the EU and its

Member States in support of Sierra Leone in 2024.

At the outset, both parties celebrated the regular holding of such dialogue session on a

regular basis over the years, a sure sign of steadfast partnership, now held under the

renewed legal framework of the Samoa Agreement –signed on 15 November 2023 between

the European Union, and the 79 Member States of the Organisation of African Caribbean

and Pacific States (OACPS), of which Sierra Leone is a member.

During the discussions held today, the two parties engaged in constructive exchanges along

four broad ambitious themes:

1) a vibrant democracy and respect of the rule of law

2) Sierra Leone in the region and in the world

3) good public administration

4) sound, stable, competitive business environment

The dialogue commenced with remarks from H.E. president Maada Bio, who emphasized

the importance of EU’s support in consolidating democracy and fostering sustainable

development in Sierra Leone. He expressed appreciation for EU’s ongoing assistance and

reiterated the government’s dedication to implementing reforms that promote democracy,

transparency and good governance.

The EU reiterated its support for the ongoing political reforms process, emphasizing the

importance of reinforcing public trust in the electoral system. Both parties acknowledged

Team Europe’s valuable past and present support to the Electoral Commission of Sierra

Leone and other institutions holding relevant responsibilities in the democratic process.

The place of Sierra Leone in the world, with its positive global role played as member of

the UN Security Council, was also a topic of the discussions, and the EU expressed sincere

appreciation for the very constructive role played by the government in dealing with the

crisis in the region, such as the Sahel and the Great Lakes, but also with crucial global

hotspot, from Ukraine to Israel and Palestine.

Both sides strongly underlined their shared commitment to a rules-based world order

within the United Nations framework. Both parties emphasized their steadfast commitment

to universal respect, observance and protection of Human Rights and fundamental

freedoms for all.

Security in the region is in danger, and Sierra Leone and the EU agreed to continue working

together for the preservation of peace and stability through upholding democratic principles

and processes within ECOWAS and the continent. Maritime security is an essential

dimension of this vision.

Furthermore, the EU – Sierra Leone dialogue session provided an opportunity for a frank

exchange on conditions that would foster a more conducive environment for investment in

Sierra Leone. Genuine commitment to good governance, Rule of Law and the fight against

corruption will represent the strongest argument for attracting investors.

At the conclusion of the dialogue, both the Government of Sierra Leone and the EU

reaffirmed their commitment to continue regular political partnership dialogue on issues of

common interest. They agreed to follow up on the conclusions and agreements reached

during this session, ensuring that the partnership remains dynamic and responsive to the

evolving needs of Sierra Leone, through flexible follow-up arrangements to ensure

effective implementation of the points of conclusion and agreements reached during this

dialogue.