By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP), in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) and the Bike Riders Union (BRU) assured to enhance road traffic management during the officially launching of the regional dialogue platform in Tombo.
The event was marked by fulfilling a key commitment outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 7, 2024.
At the launch, AIG Sahr Yomba Senesie, Director of Training for the SLP, emphasized the importance of this initiative in fostering constructive dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to address road traffic management challenges in Sierra Leone. He noted that the platform, sponsored by UNDP, will consist of six representatives from each of the three organizations involved in the MoU and will kick off with a two-day training session to outline the expectations for each member.
In his opening remarks, AIG Senesie highlighted the progress made in establishing dialogue platforms across the country, stressing their role in promoting sustainable peace in Sierra Leone. He expressed his gratitude to the Bike Riders Union for their cooperation throughout the process, acknowledging their crucial role as a driving force for development.
Mr. Bai Tarawallie, Vice President of the Bike Riders Union, spoke passionately about the importance of the MoU, urging his fellow riders to honor the agreement signed by their president. He reminded them to “respect the language of the road” and elaborated on the significant employment opportunities that bike riding has created for young people in Sierra Leone.
Madam Assanatu Judith Mansaray, Director of Training for SLRSA, highlighted the establishment of similar platforms in other regions, aimed at facilitating smooth dialogue from local levels to national authorities. She underscored the importance of peaceful dialogue in achieving meaningful outcomes and urged all parties to fully comply with the MoU and ensure its comprehensive implementation.