In furtherance of his commitment to deepen democracy in the continent, Sierra Leone’s former President, Ernest Bai Koroma, departed Freetown yesterday May 26, 2021 to the Republic of Somaliland where he will once again serve in an Elections Observer Mission.
Through the South African based Brenthurst Foundation, Koroma’s outstanding democratic record and valuable political experience have been leveraged by the Government of the Republic of Somaliland.
It follows similar engagements he successfully carried out in Namibia, Togo and in Benin on behalf of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) respectively.
Responding to the request for the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Muse BihiAbdi, the Sierra Leonean statesman said: “It is becoming increasingly critical to continue to inspire peaceful democratic transitions across the continent; to avoid a reversal in the gains we have made so far. I therefore stand ready to support especially home grown efforts geared towards building on and consolidating peace and democracy in Africa”.
The thirty member observer mission includes Erastus Mwencha, Former Deputy Chair of the African Union Commission, leaders of political parties and think tanks, researchers, policy, media and communications experts, as well as civil society activists.
During this Mission, Koroma and team will hold consultations with government officials, members of the electoral commission, political parties, civil society groups, the media, members of the diplomatic corps and other international observer groups.
The Election is scheduled to take place on 31st May, 2021.