By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Honourable Timothy Kabba, addressed Parliament in a significant session, emphasizing the country’s deepening diplomatic ties, environmental sovereignty, and commitment to international humanitarian standards.
Minister Kabba presented three key international agreements for ratification, including:
1. The Bilateral Agreement between Sierra Leone and Kazakhstan on the exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports.
2. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), specifically the Agreement on the Sustainable Use and Protection of Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
3. Sierra Leone’s Combined 6th and 7th Periodic Reports to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
The Foreign Minister stressed that the visa waiver agreement with the Republic of Kazakhstan marks a key milestone in Sierra Leone’s foreign policy, as it enhances the movement of officials, goods, and services between both nations. He assured Members of Parliament that the exemption will not be exploited for illegal purposes such as drug trafficking or transnational organized crime.
“This waiver will enhance bilateral cooperation and must not be misused for nefarious activities,” he cautioned.
The Minister extended appreciation to Kazakhstan’s honorary consul to Sierra Leone, Mr. Andrew Hope, and Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister, His Excellency Mr. Murat, for their unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Addressing concerns over Sierra Leone’s marine territorial integrity, Minister Kabba clarified that the marine biodiversity agreement known globally as the BBNJ Treaty will not infringe on Sierra Leone’s sovereignty, as it pertains only to areas beyond national jurisdiction.
“Our marine environment will remain protected. The agreement is firmly rooted in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and it regulates only international waters,” he emphasized.
He reassured Parliament that the agreement is a strategic step in advancing international cooperation on marine conservation and will not impact Sierra Leone’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
On domestic accountability, Minister Kabba announced that Sierra Leone has officially submitted its combined 6th and 7th periodic reports to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, under Article 44 of the UNCRC.
The report outlines progress made in protecting the rights of children in Sierra Leone and reaffirms the government’s continued commitment to human rights, education, health, and welfare of children.
In response to remarks from the Minority Leader, Minister Kabba highlighted Sierra Leone’s success in leveraging bilateral relations to respond to national emergencies. He cited the support received from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the outbreak of “MPox” (a presumed infectious disease or emergency), where the UAE provided critical vaccine supplies.
“We continue to engage our partners and leverage diplomacy to bring humanitarian assistance home,” Kabba affirmed.
Before concluding, the Minister formally moved for the ratification of all three international agreements, receiving broad support across party lines. He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the diplomatic role of Mr. Andrew Hope and commended Kazakhstan for its cooperation.
“These agreements reflect Sierra Leone’s growing international profile and our commitment to responsible global citizenship,” Kabba concluded.
With overwhelming support from Parliament, the agreements are expected to be domesticated and implemented in the coming months signaling a strategic step forward in Sierra Leone’s diplomatic, environmental, and human rights agenda.
