By: Amara Kargbo

The Parliament of Sierra Leone has unanimously ratified the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, along with the amended Convention on the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, recognizing their significant international and national importance.

These agreements are of significant international and national importance, offering Sierra Leone the opportunity to improve water management practices and ensure sustainable resource use.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam Francess Piagie Algahali, presented the instruments in Parliament, on the 21st January, 2025, emphasizing their role in fostering cooperation among countries sharing water resources. She noted that Sierra Leone is downstream from Guinea and Liberia, making transboundary water cooperation essential for effective management.

The increasing pressures from population growth, agriculture, energy production, and climate change necessitate a cooperative approach to water management to avoid potential conflicts. The Water Convention, adopted in 1992 and enforced since 1996, aims to establish international law governing water resources and integrates social and environmental considerations into water management.

By ratifying these conventions, Sierra Leone anticipates numerous benefits, including enhanced international cooperation, improved water quality and quantity, and increased investor confidence in water-related resources.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the importance of sharing experiences to tackle issues like ecosystem conservation and the impacts of climate change.

The Water Convention, adopted in 1992 in Helsinki and effective from 1996, enhances cooperation and protections for transboundary water resources, promoting ecologically sound management and integrated water resource strategies, particularly through a basin approach. It supports global goals related to water, environment, and sustainable development. Initially a regional framework for Europe, it became accessible to all UN member states following amendments in March 2016.

Hon. Ing. Falla Tengbeh from Kailahun District stated the critical need to ratify these “non-contentious agreements related to the 1992 Convention on the Protection of Transboundary Water Resources.” He stressed that these agreements are vital for managing and safeguarding shared water resources among Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia, and play a role in promoting political peace by preventing disputes. Tengbeh expressed concern that not being a member of the convention limits cooperation and hinders progress in effective water management in the 21st century.

Meanwhile, the Acting Opposition Leader, Hon. Daniel Koroma, strongly advocated for the immediate ratification of these conventions that enable information sharing among member states, particularly in military defense. He outlined the benefits of joining the agreement, arguing that it would enhance mutual assistance and security concerning water resources. Hon. Daniel underlined the need for prompt action to ratify the convention to achieve these positive outcomes.

The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas confirmed the ratification of these vital agreements, marking a pivotal step for Sierra Leone in enhancing its role in regional and international water governance.