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Sierra Leone in the Commonwealth

did you know?

• Sierra Leone has been a member of the Commonwealth since 1961
• Sierra Leone became an independent country on the 27th of April 1961
• Sierra Leone has been competing in the Commonwealth Games since 1958
• Sierra Leoneans have twice been regional winners in the Commonwealth Writers' Prize: Syl Cheney-Coker, born in Freetown in June 1945, with his novel, The Last Harmattan of Alusine Dunbar, in 1991; and Paul Conton, with The Price of Liberty, in 1993
• Sierra Leone hosts a national chapter of the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council
• The post-war economy of Sierra Leone has undergone rapid growth; it grew at an average of 7.4% p.a. during the decade 1998-2007. Among Commonwealth countries, only Trinidad and Tobago and Mozambique have had faster growth in this period

Senior international officers

• Dr Cream Wright, former Head of Education, Commonwealth Secretariat and, latterly, Chief of Education, United Nations Children's Fund
• Dr Kandeh Yumkella, UNIDO Director-General
• Abdul G Koroma, Judge, International Court of Justice

Commonwealth Projects

Assessment Mission and Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) (2007/08)
The Commonwealth was invited to observe the elections in Sierra Leone and to make recommendations on improving electoral procedures. The COG mission met the National Electoral Commission to discuss arrangements for observers and the main political parties. Voter education for gender mainstreaming also formed part of the assistance and an advisor assisted in the development of voter education materials that were gender focused and inclusive. The COG was undertaken and a report was prepared for the Commonwealth Secretary-General and the Government of Sierra Leone.

Judges to the High Court (2007/08)
Three judges were provided, on behalf of the Commonwealth Secretariat, to strengthen the capacity of the Sierra Leone judiciary. The lack of qualified state prosecutors meant that most cases were being prosecuted by police officers who lacked the requisite skills. The provision of prosecutors and judges helped strengthen the system of justice in the country, cleared the back-log of corruption cases and assisted in maintaining the independence and integrity of the judiciary in Sierra Leone. This project formed part of a broader programme of support committed to reconstruction and capacity building in the justice sector.

Trade Policy Advisor (2005/06)
A trade policy advisor was provided, courtesy of the Commonwealth Secretariat, to assist in building capacity in the newly restructured Ministry of Trade and Industry. The aim was to improve Sierra Leone's ability to adjust to new global opportunities in trade. The advisor is developed a 'think-tank' of experts who provided a coordinated training programming in negotiation skills, monitored trade issues and facilitated inter-ministerial interaction and communication.

Technical assistance in customs modernisation (2003/04)
The objective of this Commonwealth funded project was to develop and install a Customs Valuation Unit and to review and update customs legislation to make it relevant to current international trade needs and compatible with WTO requirements. The project was in its second phase which focused on building capacity within the Customs Department in customs and trade facilitation with an emphasis on modernising the customs operations and implementing the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. The Commonwealth Secretariat has established partnerships with UNCTAD, the World Bank, DFID and the EU to implement the programme of support in training and institutional building.

Development of Affordable Housing Construction (1999)
This Commonwealth funded project sought to transfer building technology suitable for mass affordable housing to ensure that it utilises locally available raw materials, and provide opportunities for youth development and employment. Due to the volatile situation in Sierra Leone, the project experienced delays. However, consultants did complete the preparatory work for the proposed fieldwork in Sierra Leone including the preparation of training manuals, marketing brochures and the manufacture and testing of prototype equipment and materials.

African Union (AU) Logo

The African Union is a supranational union consisting of fifty-three African states.

OIC Flag

Sierra Leone is member of the OIC, an inter-governmental organization of fifty-seven States working to safeguard the interest and ensure the progress of their people and other Muslims the world over.