By George M.O. Williams
Addis Ababa, June 3, 2026: Sierra Leone has called for deeper continental cooperation, increased humanitarian support, and the full implementation of African Union (AU) legal frameworks to tackle the growing challenges facing refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Africa.
The appeal was delivered during the 1350th session of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), convened under Sierra Leone’s rotational chairmanship for June at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Hall of the AU Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Sierra Leone’s Statement
Representing Sierra Leone, Ambassador Duwai Sellu Lungay, Deputy Head of Mission at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Addis Ababa, voiced concern over worsening humanitarian conditions across the continent. He cited armed conflicts, terrorism, governance challenges, disease outbreaks, economic instability, food insecurity, and climate change as key drivers of displacement.
Ambassador Lungay commended briefings from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the World Food Programme (WFP), describing them as reflective of the urgent realities confronting millions of vulnerable people. He emphasized the need for AU Member States to strengthen political dialogue and collaboration to address root causes of displacement while ensuring protection and welfare for affected populations.
Call for Legal Frameworks and Funding
The Sierra Leone envoy urged Member States to fully implement existing AU legal instruments, particularly the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, stressing that effective application is vital for safeguarding vulnerable populations.
He also appealed for predictable humanitarian financing and equitable burden‑sharing, especially for countries hosting large refugee populations despite limited resources. Lungay further called on governments and conflict parties to uphold international humanitarian law by protecting civilians, aid workers, and critical infrastructure during emergencies.
Strengthening AU Collaboration
Ambassador Lungay highlighted the importance of closer collaboration between the AU Commission, the PSC, and Member States to improve monitoring, reporting, and technical support for countries grappling with displacement crises.
The session concluded with Council members reaffirming their commitment to collective action, solidarity, and shared responsibility in addressing Africa’s humanitarian challenges.
Sierra Leone Delegation
The Sierra Leone delegation included Head of Chancery Zainu Deen Sansui, Defence Attaché Brigadier General Abu Bakar Conteh, Kelvina Abioseh Newstead, First Secretary Hannah Yealie Kamara, Information Attaché Demba Kanji Daramy, Financial Attaché Zaniab Bah, and Military Attaché Brigadier Abu Bakar Conteh.