By: Marian Magdalene Bangura
Freetown, 24 June 2025 – Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, Senior Executive Adviser to the President on the Public Sector Reform Unit, and Ngolo Katta, Head of the Tripartite Secretariat, provided comprehensive updates on the Tripartite Committee and the implementation of its eight key recommendations during the weekly government press briefing hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
Dr. Gaima traced the Committee’s origins to post-June 2023 election tensions, when the main opposition, APC, and the Electoral Commission raised concerns regarding structural and financial challenges within the electoral process. These efforts culminated in the Bintumani Conference held in October 2023, resulting in eight key resolutions, including the formation of a Tripartite Committee comprising representatives from the government, the APC, and UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana.
He emphasized that the Committee’s mandate is to promote post-election peace, leading to 80 major recommendations. Notably, the release of detainees under recommendation 46 was achieved following consultations with the APC.
Ngolo Katta reported that the Secretariat has conducted extensive consultations through its steering committee, which includes government and opposition representatives, parliamentarians, mayors, paramount chiefs, and civil society organizations, to compile a detailed report. He announced a national dialogue scheduled for July, ensuring inclusivity for persons with disabilities through Braille documents and video-based sign language services.
Currently, the Secretariat is reviewing the legality of the Electoral Commission Act, the Police Act, and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation Act. At the same time, a functional review of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) is underway, supported by implementation trackers to monitor progress. These efforts are coordinated with the Office of National Security, aligning with recommendation 80, which calls for establishing a fully staffed Tripartite Secretariat.
Dr. Gaima and Ngolo Katta reaffirmed their commitment to the July national dialogue and pledged that all reports and documentation will be made available in accessible formats such as Braille and sign language. They emphasized ongoing collaboration with Parliament, the ECSL, and other relevant bodies to transparently integrate all Tripartite Committee recommendations into governance and legislative frameworks.
Through sustained dialogue, institutional review, and inclusive planning, Sierra Leone is making steady progress toward reinforcing public trust and ensuring the integrity of future electoral processes.