By: Aminata Sesay
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and grassroots actors across Tonkolili District have concluded a pivotal two-day dialogue aimed at strengthening their capacity in climate governance, legal operations, and organizational accountability.
The initiative funded by the Government of Ireland through ActionAid and Mopadasl Facebook page—brought together seven civil society networks under one platform to promote collaboration and ensure compliance with national NGO policies and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Participants received critical insights into the legal frameworks governing CSO registration and operations in Sierra Leone. “Through this training, I have learned the correct authority to register with in order to operate legally,” said Adama B. Sesay, Vice Chairperson of the Bombali District Human Rights Committee. Her remarks underscored the central aim of the engagement: to ensure local actors operate lawfully while advancing community development and climate advocacy.
Arun Papay Conteh, Project Coordinator, emphasized the importance of empowerment through knowledge. “Knowledge is power, and we are supporting them to broaden their horizons. This is a laudable achievement—to be able to gather seven networks under one platform,” he said, commending the unity and collective learning fostered during the dialogue.
Reverend Father Samuel Munda Gbobeh, representing the Save the Earth Foundation Sierra Leone, highlighted the spiritual and moral imperative of environmental stewardship. “I have learned that we should protect the environment, and the environment will protect us in return,” he noted, reinforcing the interconnectedness of human actions and ecological well-being.
The dialogue represents a significant milestone in strengthening grassroots participation in climate governance while promoting transparency, accountability, and legal compliance. As climate change continues to impact vulnerable communities across Sierra Leone, the empowerment of local actors remains vital to building resilient and sustainable solutions.
Organizers and participants expressed optimism that the knowledge gained from the event would lead to stronger community leadership, better-coordinated environmental efforts, and more effective civil society operations grounded in legal and ethical standards.