By Alimamy Lahai Kamara
Freetown – The Tripartite Steering Committee Secretariat (TSCS) has made significant strides in implementing the recommendations outlined in the Tripartite Report and Unity Agreement. Coordinator Ngolo Katta briefed Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay on Thursday at his Guma Building office, highlighting progress and ongoing activities.
Progress on Reviews
Katta revealed that the Independent Management and Functional Review of the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone (ECSL) has been completed and is set to be launched in April 2025. Reviews of the Political Party Registration Commission (PPRC), Independent Police Partnership Board (IPPB), and Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) are underway, expected to conclude within three months. The Public Service Reform Unit (PSRU) is spearheading these reviews, focusing on operational inefficiencies, administrative shortcomings, and outdated equipment, particularly at SLBC.
During an entrance meeting at SLBC on March 17, 2025, PSRU outlined the review process, emphasizing the need to address weak TV and radio signals caused by aging transmitters. These issues have limited SLBC’s reach and effectiveness.
Unity Agreement and Legal Reforms
The Unity Agreement’s Resolution 4 was a key topic of discussion. Attorney General Sesay disclosed that ten cases tried in Makeni, northern Sierra Leone, have been dropped in the spirit of the agreement. Of three accused persons tried in Freetown, one has been acquitted and discharged, while two await sentencing. Efforts are underway to address these cases in alignment with Resolution 4.
Katta noted that 17 provisions in the Tripartite recommendations align with the constitutional review whitepaper but are not entrenched clauses. A cabinet paper will be presented this week for approval of these reviews. Plans include forming a Legal Team, supported by International IDEA, to draft legislative proposals, consult stakeholders nationwide, and conduct technical discussions.
Legislative reviews of the IMC Act, Cyber Security Act, SLBC Act, and Police Act are being led by their respective ministries, coordinated by TSCS. The Law Reform Commission is nearing completion of the Police Act review. Additionally, a concept note is being developed to guide national dialogue on electoral systems for the 2028 elections.
Engagement with Development Partners
On March 28, 2025, Katta briefed development partners, including the EU, Iceland Embassy, Ireland Embassy, International IDEA, US Embassy, DAI, and UNDP, at the European Delegation offices in Hill Station. He updated them on the implementation of recommendations, including dropped cases in Makeni and the status of trials in Freetown. Partners expressed satisfaction with progress and requested documentation on cabinet approval for reviews of the PPRC and Elections Acts. They also inquired about the creation of a parliamentary oversight committee on elections.
Upcoming Activities
The TSCS has scheduled meetings with key stakeholders, including All Peoples Congress (APC), All Political Party Association (APPA), Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and civil society organizations. These engagements aim to foster collaboration and strengthen public education on the Tripartite recommendations.
On March 11, 2025, Katta hosted the Moral Guarantors for the Unity Agreement, led by Hawa Samai, Chairperson of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC). He briefed them on progress related to Resolution 4, with plans to update international moral guarantors such as the African Union, Commonwealth, ECOWAS, and EU.
Additionally, on March 18, 2025, Katta met with NACCED Chairman Joseph Munda Bindi to align civic education activities with TSCS efforts. Bindi emphasized the importance of coherent messaging to resonate with the public.
The Tripartite Secretariat continues to drive implementation of the recommendations with commitment, cooperation, and partnerships. As activities progress, stakeholders remain optimistic about achieving the shared vision outlined in the Tripartite Report and Unity Agreement.