Sierra Leone

A delegation comprising eight Member States of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission arrives in Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 20 March, for a five-day working visit to familiarize themselves with the current situation in the country. During their stay, Commission members will hold wide-ranging consultations with the Government of Sierra Leone, political parties, civil society groups, the United Nations Country Team and the diplomatic corps.

The delegation is headed by The Netherlands' Permanent Representative to the UN and includes Permanent Representatives and other diplomats from Guinea, Ghana, Jamaica, Brazil, India, Angola and Egypt and officials from the Peacebuilding Support Office.

Commission members will also take the opportunity to obtain first-hand knowledge of the situation on the ground and assess potential challenges to peace consolidation. Moreover, they will commence discussions with the Government of Sierra Leone on a compact on the key areas related to the ongoing peacebuilding efforts. The delegation will also draw the attention of the international community to the need to continue the support to Sierra Leone.

The visitors will pay courtesy calls on President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and Vice President Hon. Solomon Berewa. They will also hold separate meetings with leaders of political parties, in addition to a field visit to the Eastern and Northern provinces.