By Mohamed Sankoh
Cross section of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Sierra Leone have bade farewell to the outgoing European Union (EU) Ambassador, H.E. Emmanuel Muller and his Deputy, H.E. Frutos Juan.
The CSOs included: Her Future Foundation, Commonwealth Business Women (CBW), Katanga Women’s Development Association (KaWDA) and amongst others.
The farewell ceremony took place last Friday 9th August, 2024 at the (CBW) Head office Wilkinson Road, Freetown inner and celebrations were attended by the European Union Ambassador, Emmanuel Muller and his Deputy.
Welcoming the guests, CBW Country Director, Rev. Ann-Marie King; Country expressed gratitude to the EU for their support to government and CSOs especially on Development and democratic outcomes.
In his statement, Founder of Her Future Foundation, Ariefa Bockarie Kumara informed the gathering about his experience with the European Union especially the Ambassador and his Deputy in strengthening national democracy, local cohesion, good governance, women’s empowerment, youth employment, education, agriculture, infrastructures, climate justice, economic and social freedom.
Ariefa Kamara expressed gratitude to the EU Delegation notably the Ambassador and his Deputy for their relentless service to the government, CSOs and the people of Sierra Leone.
He described the garments presented to the Ambassador as a symbol of hope, peace, resilience, love and national prosperity.
He further appealed and inspired the Ambassador to always think about Sierra Leone in their next endeavours in abroad.
Responding to the Civil Society Organizations, the European Union Ambassador, Emmanuel Muller commended the CSOs for been effective in discharging their duties which is to ensure there is peace before, during and post-election period.
He said Sierra Leone is a peaceful country as many a time they had come out to cast their vote peacefully and the people are always devising solutions to their problems.
The Ambassador referenced the Tripartite Committee set up by the government of Sierra Leone as one way to resolve Sierra Leone’s electoral challenges.
According to him, EU is open to support organizations including the Commonwealth Business Women and among others whose aims are to ensure that there is peace and national cohesion in implementing the tripartite recommendations.
He also acknowledged the fact that Sierra Leone succeeded in ending its civil war, building democracy thereby ensuring that the country has the capacity to improve its economy in partnership with international organizations, Non- governmental Organizations (NGOs) and amongst other.
“The EU is here to give support to the government, Civil Society Organizations and Non -Governmental Organizations thereby ensuring that government projects are fully implemented” the Ambassador assures.