By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, has clarified that the European Union’s decision to postpone its 2026 budget-support disbursement is not linked to ongoing discussions between Sierra Leone and the Kingdom of the Netherlands on judicial cooperation.
The clarification was issued by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on Thursday, October 1, following reports suggesting that the EU’s decision was connected to judicial matters involving a particular individual.
According to the press release, the European Commission formally communicated its decision on the 2026 disbursement in July. The Government said the reasons provided by the Commission related to the timing of Sierra Leone’s request to amend the Financing Agreement.
The press release explained that the timing of the requested amendment created difficulties in completing the necessary processes within the 2026 reporting cycle.
As a result, the European Commission proposed that the 2026 and 2027 disbursements be rescheduled to 2027 and 2028, respectively. The Government said the targets for the 2027 disbursement have already been agreed.
While acknowledging that the postponement of the 2026 disbursement represents a setback, the Government stressed that the decision does not amount to a suspension of the broader partnership between Sierra Leone and the European Union.
“Sierra Leone greatly values this longstanding partnership and remains committed to continued constructive engagement with the EU,” the press release stated.
The Government also rejected reports suggesting that the EU’s decision was a punitive measure linked to judicial discussions concerning a particular individual.
It said EU representatives subsequently clarified during engagements with the Government that the decision on the 2026 disbursement was not taken as a consequence of discussions concerning any particular individual.
The Government therefore maintained that reports linking the July decision to a specific individual or case do not reflect the reasons formally communicated to Sierra Leone by the European Commission.
The clarification comes amid wider discussions on international judicial cooperation, particularly Sierra Leone’s engagement with international partners on transnational organised crime and legal cooperation.
The Government reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to international cooperation in combating transnational organised crime and to constructive judicial cooperation with its international partners.
It said such cooperation would continue in accordance with Sierra Leone’s laws and established legal processes.
The Government also said attempts to instrumentalize development cooperation or exert pressure through public threats and media campaigns are unhelpful.
It maintained that matters of this nature are best addressed through lawful processes, mutual respect and sustained engagement between competent authorities.
Despite the postponement of the 2026 budget-support disbursement, the Government expressed confidence in the strength of Sierra Leone’s relationship with the European Union.
It said it looks forward to continued engagement with the EU towards the 2027 disbursement and the broader programme of cooperation between the two sides.