By: Mohamed Jalloh
Those castigating the president for his persistent travels are actually missing the point.
In fact, it could also be a deliberate and calculated move by detractors and the opposition to score cheap political points.
They seem to play ignorant and sightless to the reality of international relations.
The reality and necessity of President Bio`s travel is an inevitabiltability to leverage and solicit any form of development assistance that could be harnessed for Sierra Leone.
By not showing up at these fora, Sierra Leone would stand to miss immensely.
At these international settings, an opportunity is accorded to the president to deepen engagement with his peers.
At the photo above, president Bio is sandwiched by no less a person but the Nigerian president (Mamadu Buhari) and the president of Tanzania (Samia Suluhu).
This clearly indicates that such platforms are a rendezvous and a rallying stage for Heads of States and heads of governments.
Another prospect of meeting potential investors and well-wishers for a breakthrough in foreign direct investment can further precipitate the frequent shuttles of president Bio out of the shores of Sierra Leone.
At the high level head of state summit attended by president Bio in Dakarr, Senegal, the World Bank/International Development Association (IDA) has some goodies for low income countries including Sierra Leone.
On the 7th July 7, 2022 H.E President Bio attended a one-day High-level Heads of State Summit in Dakar on World Bank/International Development Association(IDA) 2022 Launch of $93.0 billion raised for 76 low income countries including Sierra Leone.
In December last year, IDA Deputies and Borrowers mobilized $93.0 billion for financing projects and programs for the 76 low-income countries for the period July 2022 to June 30 2025.
The resources are allocated based on a country’s Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) rating of reforms and Projects and Program performance as dedicated by annual disbursement.
Sierra Leone’s 2021 CPIA rating has increased from 3.1 to 3.2/6, which is above Sub Saharan Africa average of 3.1/6 and our project performance has also increased, for the first time, beyond annual disbursement target of 20% of the portfolio.
The objective of the High-level Summit is to “leverage the powerful voice of African countries as ‘IDA Champions’ in the implementation of IDA20. Heads of State will adopt an outcome document (the “Dakar Declaration”) underscoring their commitment to a robust recovery for Africa and identify a few transformational initiatives that would allow Africa to ‘leap forward’ with dedicated support from IDA”.
The High-level Summit is jointly hosted by the President of Senegal, H.E President Macky Sall and the World Bank.
