Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 1, 2026: The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) today welcomed a joint courtesy visit from representatives of the Mano River Union (MRU) Secretariat and the African Development Bank (AfDB), reinforcing regional collaboration on peace, security, resilience, and sustainable development.
The meeting, chaired by Hon. Deputy Minister Mr. Buakai Bindi Hindowa, brought together senior officials including Permanent Secretary Mrs. Aminata Sannoh, Chief Director Mr. Charles Vandi, Acting Director of Gender Affairs Mrs. Hannah Robinson, and Acting Director of Children’s Affairs Mr. Daniel Albert Gbow.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Hindowa expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed MoGCA’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with both the MRU Secretariat and AfDB. He emphasized that sustained collaboration is vital to advancing gender equality, protecting children, and promoting lasting peace and development across the sub-region.
Discussions centered on the MRU Secretariat’s proposal to establish a Sub-Regional Observatory on Fragility and Resilience, an initiative aimed at consolidating peace, enhancing security, and building resilience among Mano River Union member states. The delegation formally briefed the Government of Sierra Leone, through MoGCA, on the proposed architecture, objectives, and shared vision for the Observatory.
Chief Director Mr. Charles Vandi welcomed the initiative, reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to partnerships that safeguard the rights of women and children while contributing to inclusive development and regional stability.
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs reiterated its commitment to fostering strategic collaborations that strengthen regional cooperation and improve the lives of women, children, and vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone and across the Mano River Union.