By: Aminata Sesay
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are increasingly taking a leading role in Sierra Leone’s climate response, following a national dialogue hosted in Freetown by ActionAid Sierra Leone in partnership with MoPADA-SL, with funding support from Ireland.
The gathering brought together CSOs from across the country to strengthen their influence in shaping climate governance, particularly in key areas such as the Climate Finance Strategy, carbon markets, and Sierra Leone’s evolving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Speakers at the event emphasized that communities most affected by climate change those dealing with flooding in Freetown or water scarcity in Tonkolili need stronger grassroots representation in policy-making processes. ActionAid Sierra Leone’s Executive Director, Foday Bassie Swaray, stated that the dialogue was part of efforts to “amplify CSO voices and foster stronger collaboration with the government on climate policies.”
The Embassy of Ireland, a key development partner, highlighted its focus on climate resilience for vulnerable groups. Joseph J. Ellie, Senior Governance Advisor, expressed Ireland’s pride in supporting climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy initiatives, and inclusive community dialogues, while also backing frameworks for long-term climate finance.
Grassroots voices played a key role in shaping the discussions. Mahawa Agatha Kamara, a CSO leader from Tonkolili, highlighted the destruction caused by illegal mining, particularly its impact on women farmers. While she praised local training programs, she criticized weak enforcement by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Government representatives, including Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change Hon. Mima Yeama Sobba Stephens and Hon. Mariama Munia Zombo from Pujehun District, emphasized that addressing climate change requires collective responsibility, transparent systems, and strong leadership at all levels.
By positioning CSOs as critical players in climate governance, the dialogue marks a significant shift towards a more inclusive, community-driven model one that prioritizes accountability, resilience, and local action in Sierra Leone’s climate journey.