Brief on Sierra Leone and Morocco Relations
Sierra Leone and Morocco have maintained diplomatic relations since Sierra Leone gained independence in 1961. The two countries have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations which have deepened into cooperation agreements on a range of socio-economic development programmes, including trade, investment, and education. In a bid to further expand and foster Sierra Leone’s diplomatic footprints in the diplomatic landscape, the Government of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has endeavored to rebrand its nation in this rapidly changing international environment induced by the involvement of new actors and strategies. In the given circumstance, Sierra Leone’s generational thinking is to create a mentality as global citizens, entrepreneurs, and dynamic people that are willing to welcome a new narrative of a new Sierra Leone. In recent years, Morocco has sought to increase its engagement with African countries, including Sierra Leone, as part of its “South-South” cooperation strategy.
Highlights of the 3rd JCC in Dakhla
In 2019, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, visited Morocco to attend the Crans Montana Forum, a conference focused on development and cooperation in Africa. During his visit, President Bio met with his counterpart the Moroccan King, Mohammed VI to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The two leaders agreed to sign several agreements aimed at boosting trade and investment, including a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a joint commission for economic and technical cooperation. This gave birth to the epoch-making event of the signing of the 3rd Joint Commission Cooperation Agreements between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Kingdom of Morocco on April 28th 2023 in Dakhla.
Underscoring the significance of the Dakhla Agreements, His Excellency Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco applauded the remarkable efforts demonstrated by the Legal teams of both Sierra Leone and Morocco in drafting the various agreements. H. E Bourita affirmed the significance of Dakhla City where the Moroccan government is currently constructing a mega port to ease trade and investment in the country, noting that the signing of the agreements in Dakhla, is a manifestation of their commitment towards a sustainable investment partnership with Sierra Leone.
Professor David J. Francis, Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone and leader of the Sierra Leone delegation, described the event as a significant milestone in the annals of Sierra Leone’s diplomatic relations. He affirmed that the Kingdom of Morocco is a trustworthy, and reliable partner. Alluding to his counterpart, Professor Francis maintained that these agreements cover critical aspects of Sierra Leone’s aspiration to middle-level income status induced by the creation of the National Investment Board and the special industrial zone that ensures the protection of Foreign Direct Investment in the country.
Professor Francis also highlighted developments in the area of fighting corruption, abolition of the death penalty, gender empowerment, the repeal of the Criminal Libel Laws, the successful implementation of the Free Quality Education, and other reforms to foster a sustainable and functional democracy under the leadership of President Bio.
He commended the leadership of the Kingdom of Morocco for promoting Global peace and security amidst rising tensions in the region while calling for the support of Morocco in Sierra Leone’s bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (2024-25).
The Minister of Trade & Industry, Dr. Hinga Sandy, commended the agreements as they form an integral part of the principles of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement which both countries have signed to.
Aim of the 3rd JCC in Dakhla
The agreements aim to promote cooperation between both nations in several fields such as Education, Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Health, Tourism, Visa exemption, finance, energy,
justice, security, land and urban planning, mining, infrastructure, and technical and vocational education. The financial cooperation agreement will involve funding several projects and programs in Sierra Leone in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Besides, Morocco will offer technical assistance to Sierra Leone in the area of renewable energy to improve electricity supply in the country.
The two countries will also promote technical cooperation in education, particularly in the field of technical and vocational training, which aims to strengthen the skills of young people from Sierra Leone. This initiative will bolster and increase the human capital development agenda of His Excellency the President and assist in tackling the high unemployment rate.
Through these agreements, Sierra Leone and Morocco will enhance their economic and technical cooperation to establish sustainable growth and development in various sectors. They will promote stronger relationships between both countries and strengthen the ties of cooperation and friendship.
One of the key agreements signed is a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the establishment of a joint commission for economic, technical, and scientific cooperation. This MoU provides a framework for the two countries to work together on a range of issues and to identify areas of common interest.
Another agreement that was signed is a cooperation agreement between Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture and Morocco’s National Office for Food Safety. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the areas of agricultural research, food safety, and the exchange of expertise.
In addition to these agreements, an MoU was signed between Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Energy and Morocco’s National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water. This agreement seeks to strengthen cooperation in the field of renewable energy and to promote the development of sustainable energy solutions in Sierra Leone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these agreements represent a significant step forward in the existing bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Morocco. They provide a framework for increased cooperation and collaboration between the two countries and are expected to deliver tangible benefits for both nations in the years ahead.
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Compiled and recorded by:
Alhassan Kargbo
First Secretary
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