By: Aminata Sesay
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Sierra Leone’s Parliament ratified two major international agreements and a national report, marking a transformative moment in the country’s commitment to global cooperation, environmental sustainability, and child rights protection.
Presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Timothy Musa Kabba, the ratified instruments include:
An agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports.
An agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, also known as the “High Seas Treaty.”
Sierra Leone’s combined Sixth and Seventh Periodic Report on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), submitted under Article 44 of the Convention.
The first agreement grants visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports between Sierra Leone and Kazakhstan. Minister Kabba explained that the agreement was signed on September 20, 2023, on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly, as part of Sierra Leone’s growing foreign policy of inclusion and diversification.
“Mr. Speaker, Sierra Leone is embracing a foreign policy without exclusion,” said Minister Kabba. “We are opening new frontiers of diplomatic engagement while maintaining our traditional alliances for the benefit of our people.”
He noted that the agreement, approved by President Julius Maada Bio’s Cabinet, would strengthen bilateral relations, increase diplomatic exchange, and open up opportunities in trade, investment, and education.
Despite bipartisan support, some lawmakers urged caution. Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition, supported the motion but raised concerns about security risks, stressing that Sierra Leone does not control how other countries issue diplomatic passports. He called for robust monitoring mechanisms.
Similarly, Hon. Lamin warned that misconduct by public officials abroad could damage the country’s reputation.
“Disgrace travels faster than death,” he said, highlighting the need for responsible conduct among passport holders.
The second ratified agreement is the High Seas Treaty, a groundbreaking multilateral framework under UNCLOS that seeks to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Minister Kabba warned of the country’s vulnerability to climate change, citing deadly mudslides, frequent flooding, and coastal erosion.
“Our rivers and communities are being decimated. Since 2016, waves of seaweed have encroached on our beaches, threatening livelihoods and tourism,” he said.
The treaty, already signed by over 90 countries, with 16 formal ratifications, will place Sierra Leone at the forefront of marine conservation and international policy leadership, he added.
Deputy Speaker and Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, praised the treaty as a national security imperative and a tool to curb unregulated marine exploration.
However, he also lamented the ongoing destruction of mangrove forests — critical ecological assets in regions like Cline Town and Kissy.
“Mangroves are not just economic resources; they are natural protectors of our communities,” he said, calling on the government to move beyond ratification and implement real change on the ground.
Parliament also ratified the Combined Sixth and Seventh Periodic Report under the UNCRC, reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to child protection and welfare.
Hon. AKK hailed the report as “a beautiful document” and praised initiatives such as the Free Quality Education Program and gender-inclusive policies.
“When you travel and speak of Sierra Leone’s policies, many countries are now benchmarking us,” he said.
Deputy Speaker Conteh echoed the sentiment, recalling that free education for children in northern Sierra Leone began under the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, and has since evolved under the Bio administration.
Lawmakers emphasized the need for these commitments to move beyond paper. Several MPs called for regular reporting, transparency, and timely ratification of all international agreements.
“It is easy to sign, but if not ratified, these agreements remain meaningless,” said Hon. AKK, urging all ministries to bring treaties to Parliament promptly.
Throughout the session, Minister Kabba reiterated that Sierra Leone’s foreign policy is driven by partnerships, environmental justice, and human rights all rooted in the national interest and aligned with Section 10(c) of the 1991 Constitution, which mandates beneficial foreign relations.
“These agreements are not abstract,” Kabba emphasized. “They are strategic efforts to raise Sierra Leone’s global profile, safeguard our environment, and secure a better future for our children.”
Responding to concerns about security risks in the visa waiver deal, Kabba reassured Parliament that diplomatic and service passports are highly secured, governed by the Vienna Convention and monitored under bilateral oversight.
With the ratification of these three landmark instruments, Sierra Leone has signaled a more assertive and responsible global engagement while reinforcing the importance of domestic discipline, accountability, and inter-agency coordination.
The next step is final administrative processing and operationalization by relevant ministries but for many lawmakers, the message was clear: timely implementation must follow ratification.