By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Wednesday held a strategic meeting with mayors and district chairpersons from councils and municipalities led by the All People’s Congress, urging calm, cooperation, and a renewed commitment to serving citizens.
The engagement was convened under his leadership as Chairman of the Inter Ministerial Committee on Decentralization and Local Governance. It brought together key local government leaders at a time when councils across the country are grappling with operational challenges linked to the ongoing political impasse.
Addressing the gathering, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh emphasized the importance of dialogue and collective responsibility in navigating the current situation. He noted that despite political differences, the primary duty of all leaders remains the welfare of the people they serve.
“We discussed our mutual desire for a swift resolution to the current political impasse,” he said. “We want to ensure the councils are able to function and provide services.”
The Vice President acknowledged that the challenges facing local councils have had a direct impact on service delivery, affecting communities that depend on effective local governance for basic needs. He stressed that restoring normal operations in the councils is critical to maintaining public confidence and ensuring development efforts are not stalled.
He further highlighted the role of the Inter Ministerial Committee as a platform for engagement and problem solving. According to him, the committee is uniquely positioned to facilitate constructive dialogue between stakeholders and to help find common ground on pressing issues affecting local governance.
“There is strong commitment to continuing these engagements,” he noted, adding that sustained interaction among stakeholders is key to building trust and resolving differences.
Vice President Juldeh Jalloh encouraged the mayors and district chairpersons to actively utilize the committee as a channel for addressing their concerns and contributing to joint solutions. He underscored the need for collaboration across political lines, especially in periods of uncertainty.
Participants at the meeting reportedly welcomed the engagement, describing it as a timely intervention that provides an opportunity for open discussion and reassurance. The presence of APC led council leaders also signaled a willingness to engage in dialogue despite the broader political tensions.
In his closing remarks, the Vice President reminded all present of the essence of leadership, urging them to prioritize national interest above partisan considerations.
“We must always remember that we are in service to our citizens,” he said.
The meeting ended on a note of shared understanding, with participants agreeing that unity, cooperation, and sustained dialogue are essential to overcoming current challenges. There was a collective recognition that progress at the local level depends on the ability of leaders to work together in the interest of national development.
As Sierra Leone continues to navigate its political landscape, engagements such as this are seen as critical steps toward fostering stability, strengthening institutions, and improving the lives of citizens across the country.
