The Civil Society Movement of Sierra Leone is advocating for an increased collaboration between the state and its people. This advocacy was made on Thursday during an official opening ceremony at the Pope John Paul Hall, Syke Street in Freetown.
“The purpose of the consultation is for government and civil society to share ideas and experience on key issues in good governance and democracy, sustainable development, culture and diversity in the Commonwealth,” said Festus E. Minah, the acting CSM chairman.
The committee is hoping to impact discussions at the forthcoming Commonwealth Peoples’ Forum and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this November in Uganda.
“The outcomes of the consultations will not only build bridges and enhance cooperation and partnership between government and (civil society) in our joint endeavour to make life more meaningful for Sierra Leoneans,” Minah said, “but will present Sierra Leone more positively to the community of nations of the Commonwealth.”
However, the event hit a sour note when several committee members spoke out to ministers’ representatives, questioning their seriousness in collaborating because of their tardiness and due to the absence of the ministers themselves.
Among topics mentioned by committee members was the necessity of the government and civil society to stop competing and harbouring inherent suspicions against one another.
Ministers’ representatives present at the meeting expressed their willingness for future collaborations for the betterment of the country.
“It is expected that we will be very frank in our discussions to chart a better way forward for our country and the people of the Commonwealth,” Minah said.
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