To commemorate Sierra Leone’s role as the West African Representative and President of the United Nations Security Council in August 2024, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Rtd Brig. Julius Maada Bio, inaugurated Sierra Leone’s peace exhibition at the United Nations in New York on Monday 12 August 2024, in the presence of the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mrs Amina J. Mohamed.
The event featured messages of goodwill from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone, H.E. Alhaji Timothy Musa Kaba, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, the ECOWAS Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai, the Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations, Ambassador A. Nyamdorj, Registrar of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and the Director General of the International Campaign for Human Rights and Development.
On exhibit throughout August 2024 in the United Nations building, this significant exhibition showcases Sierra Leone’s journey towards peace, reconciliation, stability, and development. It emphasizes the resilience, bravery, and unity of the Sierra Leonean people in overcoming internal challenges and their steadfast dedication to sustainable development.
The exhibition also brings attention to the importance of international and regional cooperation for peace and security, particularly showcasing West Africa’s ability to address regional challenges. It highlights the role of regional peace initiatives, including the ECOWAS conflict prevention, management, and resolution mechanisms, in restoring peace and stability to Sierra Leone through interventions such as ECOMOG and the UN peace support operation, UNOMSIL. The exhibition details how these efforts have contributed to strengthening peace and stability in Sierra Leone.
Additionally, the exhibition explores key aspects of Sierra Leone’s transitional justice process, such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and the Monuments and Relics Commission. It underscores the collaboration between international partners and the government in the construction of a new Sierra Leone that is peaceful, united, democratic, and dignified, offering valuable insights for promoting peace and development globally.
The event concluded with a reception hosted by H.E. Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).