The world’s largest civilian hospital ship, the Global Mercy™, was welcomed back to Freetown yesterday in a partnership between international charity Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org) and the Government of Sierra Leone to deliver more than 1,400 life-transforming surgeries and continued training opportunities for Sierra Leonean healthcare workers.  

The Global Mercy departed the country in June after spending the previous ten months performing 1,979 life-changing surgeries for 1,728 patients and training 145 healthcare professionals on board in that time. 

The ship’s return followed an invitation from President Julius Maada Bio for Mercy Ships to extend their stay to continue supporting the delivery of safe surgery and training in Sierra Leone.

In his address last week, President Bio highlighted his commitment to affordable and quality healthcare for all Sierra Leoneans, aiming for Universal Health Coverage, and affirmed the partnership with Mercy Ships, which began in 1992.    

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the charity selected patients in 12 locations across the country for the upcoming field service and supports ongoing training for staff at Connaught Hospital and students at the University of Sierra Leone, in line with Sierra Leone’s strategic healthcare plan.  

The ship’s return, after a brief annual maintenance period in Tenerife to fulfill maritime law, was celebrated as the Global Mercy docked.  

The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby welcomed the ship for the second time expressing his excitement about the possibilities of free surgeries for people in desperate need.  

He said: “I’m extremely happy that Mercy Ships honoured the President’s call to stay longer to provide life-changing surgeries and train our healthcare professionals. In the next ten months, the ship will perform over 1,400 free surgeries and will continue on-ship training for 130 healthcare workers. As Minister of Health, I am excited about this possibility and very proud of the partnership with Mercy Ships.” 

Dr. Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director for Sierra Leone, said: “We are delighted that the Global Mercy has returned to Sierra Leone. With the strong partnerships formed, we will build upon the existing impact and momentum, to support government plans towards the sustainable development of the surgical care system.” 

The ship, its volunteers and the Sierra Leonean day crew will now prepare the hospital on board the ship to deliver the next phase of free surgeries for surgical programmes including maxillofacial/head and neck, general, paediatric orthopaedic, paediatric general, reconstructive plastic, and ophthalmic.   

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

Visit www.MercyShips.org for more information.

Sierra Leone Ministry of Health:
Abdul S. Brima/James T. Kallay
Email: communications@mohs.gov.sl 
Website: https://MOHS.Gov.SL

Mercy Ships:
Sophie Barnett
Mercy Ships International PR Manager
Email: International.media@mercyships.org  
Website: https://MercyShips.Africa/press

The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), meets in Abuja on August 14, 2024, to boost partnerships.

The UNHCR high-level delegation led by Mr. Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, Ms. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection and Mr. Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde, Director, Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa were at the ECOWAS Headquarters to seek support to strengthen partnerships with the ECOWAS Commission as UNHCR advances towards sustainable programmes in the ECOWAS Region.

While welcoming the delegation, H.E. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the prevailing humanitarian situation in the ECOWAS Region mostly because of conflicts leading to displacement of populations and food insecurity, particularly in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin Regions.

The Vice President informed the UNHCR delegation that there are currently about 7,337,979 forcibly displaced population due to conflicts, violence and disasters in the ECOWAS Region, including 6,526,928 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and 811,051 refugees and asylum seekers.

H.E. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, urged the UNHCR to continue to support the ECOWAS Commission and Member States to implement their Global Refugee Forum (GRF) pledges. She highlighted that ECOWAS has committed about 9 million USD from the Humanitarian budgets in 2024 to assist refugees, IDPs, asylum seekers and stateless persons.

She assured the Delegation that ECOWAS will continue to work with UNHCR to achieve durable solutions in the management of refugee situations while working towards the reduction of displacements and its eradication in the Region.

In his statement Mr. Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations applauded ECOWAS on the Regional Policy on Asylum being developed and assured H.E. Tchintchibidja, that the UNHCR will work closely with ECOWAS to implement programmes. He added that a regional approach and strategy will be needed for the current humanitarian situation in the Region.

The ECOWAS Commission and UNHCR renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations in 2023 amidst increased violent conflicts, disasters, and insecurity in some Member States.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Vice-Chair of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, has praised the long-standing and excellent cooperation between the West African regional organization and the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

During an official visit by the foreign ministers of the Nordic   countries to the headquarters of the ECOWAS Commission, in Abuja, Nigeria, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Ms Tchintchibidja appreciated the continued support of these countries to ECOWAS in the implementation of its regional integration programmes, particularly in the areas of peace and security, early warning, maritime safety, climate change and water resources. She also acknowledged the numerous financial support given to ECOWAS by Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

H.E Vice President Tchintchibidja expressed the Commission’s willingness to build a strong and dynamic diplomatic cooperation with the Nordic countries and reaffirmed the commitment of ECOWAS to strengthen existing cooperation between the Commission and the Nordic countries. She also called for a periodic (annual) review of the Nordic  countries’ support to ECOWAS.

The Foreign Ministers of Finland, Iceland and Sweden, the State Secretary for Development of Norway and the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, accompanied by several of their officials, reiterated their determination and commitment to continue to do everything possible to strengthen the partnership between their respective countries and ECOWAS.

The cooperation between the Nordic countries and ECOWAS is guided by its main mandate to strengthen regional economic integration and stability in the Community area.

In addition to Ms Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, several other executives from the ECOWAS Commission attended the meeting. These include the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, Director of the President’s Office, Abdou Kolley, Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, Dr. Cyriaque Agnekethom and the Director of External Relations, Jérôme Boa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Government of Liberia (GoL) and the European Union (EU) convened on August 13, 2024, for the 12th EU-Liberia Partnership Dialogue. The Dialogue was co-chaired by H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, and Ambassador Nona Deprez, Head of the EU Delegation to Liberia. During the Dialogue, the Government of Liberia expressed its profound gratitude to the European Union for its unwavering support as a key partner in development cooperation. The GoL reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the EU in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development. The EU, on its part, emphasized that Team Europe (comprising the EU and its Member States) remains steadfast in its commitment to support the implementation of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, focusing on delivering tangible benefits to the Liberian people. The EU also underscored the importance of good governance and transparency as critical elements of this partnership.

The EU has allocated 191 million euros to Liberia for the first phase of its support program, spanning from 2021 to 2027. Both parties agreed to continue their cooperation in areas of mutual interest, aligning with Liberia’s national development plan, which is currently being shaped through broad-based national consultations. The EU pledged its support for Liberia’s development objectives within the framework of the EU Multi-Annual Indicative Programme, which prioritizes:

1. Enhancing and preserving natural resources for growth;

2. Promoting decent jobs and inclusive growth; and

3. Improving financial and democratic governance.

Democracy, Good Governance, and the Rule of Law

The Government of Liberia reiterated its dedication to upholding the Rule of Law, a cornerstone for ensuring good governance and a thriving democracy. The EU commended Liberia for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 General and Presidential Elections and encouraged the GoL to implement the recommendations of the EU Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) and other observation missions.

Both parties acknowledged the positive steps taken by the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman, ensuring adherence to the 2014 Act Prescribing a National Code of Conduct for All Public Officials and Employees of the Government of Liberia. The EU also welcomed the participation of Civil Society Organizations in the 12th EU-Liberia Partnership Dialogue, highlighting Liberia’s commitment to an open and free democratic society.

The GoL’s establishment of the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court was recognized as a testament to its commitment to the rule of law and criminal accountability. The EU and its Member States praised the signing of Executive Order No. 131 by President Joseph Boakai, establishing the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court, and urged the GoL to engage with civil society and legal experts in this vital endeavor.

Human Rights

Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to international treaty obligations concerning Women’s and Children’s Rights, including the development of gender-sensitive policies. The GoL is currently drafting the third revised National Human Rights Action Plan for 2025-2030 and has reactivated its Steering Committee. The EU acknowledged Liberia’s efforts to comply with its international Human Rights obligations and agreed to collaborate on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.

Both sides emphasized the importance of addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and welcomed the National Council of Traditional Chiefs and Elders of Liberia’s decision to suspend the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) throughout the country.

Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability

The Government of Liberia underscored its commitment to environmental sustainability and highlighted several key climate change actions, including the National Climate Change Steering Committee (NCSC), the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and Liberia’s Revised Nationally Determined Contributions (2021) aiming for a 60% emission reduction by 2030.

The EU expressed its strong concern over deforestation and informed the GoL of the European Union Deforestation Regulation, which ensures that products imported into the EU do not contribute to deforestation. Both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration on environmental sustainability, particularly through the Liberian national development plan and “Team Europe initiatives.”

Regional, Continental, and Global Peace and Security

The Republic of Liberia updated the EU on its candidacy for the United Nations Security Council for the biennium 2026-2027. Both parties expressed their shared commitment to promoting peace, human rights, and respect for international law, and voiced concern over ongoing global conflicts. The EU welcomed Liberia’s initiative to host a Mano River Union conference to enhance regional integration, stability, trade, and development.

Trade, Investment&Economic Cooperation

The Dialogue emphasized the need to improve Liberia’s business and investment climate, with the EU committing to launch a 25 million euro program on private sector development in 2025. This initiative aims to create more jobs and facilitate the use of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFDS+) instrument, with a provision of 3 million euros.

Cultural Exchange, Youth Employment, Education, Entrepreneurship, and Skills Development

Both sides agreed to focus on improving Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to boost youth skills development and job creation in Liberia. Team Europe will continue to offer fully funded scholarship opportunities for Liberian youth, such as the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master program.

Infrastructure, Technology, and Connectivity

The need to enhance connectivity between Liberia and other ECOWAS countries was recognized as crucial for regional integration and economic development. The EU’s “Global Gateway” initiative was highlighted as a key investment offer, with the EU providing 52 million euros to expand electricity infrastructure in Liberia, connecting an additional 17,064 households, businesses, and public institutions in Grand Bassa, Sinoe, and Grand Kru counties. The 12th EU-Liberia Partnership Dialogue concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continue working together to achieve shared goals of sustainable development, good governance, and regional stability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.