Sierra Leone

On behalf the United Nations System in Sierra Leone and on my own behalf, I wish to congratulate the newly elected President, H.E. Mr. Ernest Bai Koroma, and the people of Sierra Leone on this important occasion. The peaceful and credible manner in which both the general and the presidential elections have been held once again demonstrate the determination of  the people of Sierra Leone and its leaders to continue on the path of sustainable peace, democracy and development.

The statesmanship displayed by the political leaders, especially by former President Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and the leaders of the two political parties - Honorable Ernest Bai Koroma of the All Peoples Congress (APC), and Honorable Solomon Berewa of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) - has been critical in ensuring a peaceful process. The successful conclusion of the elections is also due to the professional performance of the national institutions, in particular the National Electoral Commission and the security agencies, in discharging their respective constitutional duties.

The elections are over. We all agree that the focus from now on is on ensuring national cohesion and unity, consolidating the gains made during the past five years and addressing the many challenges the country is still facing.

As the people of Sierra Leone and their newly elected President take the lead, the United Nations and indeed the rest of the international community shall remain actively engaged and continue to provide support to national efforts in consolidating peace, promoting good governance, human rights and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.