The Children’s Forum Network (CFN) has elected a new national executive to lead its child advocacy efforts in Sierra Leone. The election, supervised by the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) with support from Plan International and Save the Children, saw Sheriff Bangura elected as president. The new executive also includes Mustapha Yembai Kallon as vice president, Marie Sowa as secretary general, and Sulaiman Kargbo as public relations officer.
The CFN is a child-led advocacy platform that ensures children’s views are represented in discussions and decisions affecting them. The network allows children to participate in advocacy and decision-making processes in Sierra Leone. With the new leadership, the CFN aims to continue promoting child participation and children’s rights. The newly elected officials are expected to represent the interests and concerns of children during their term.
The election process was not without controversy, as the outgoing President, Philipa Cride-Dole, claimed she was not allowed into the election hall. Philipa expressed her disappointment on Facebook, stating that she was denied entry to her own election hall. Additionally, lawyers representing presidential candidate Mary Julius have asked the MoGCA to suspend the election, citing that their client was under 18 before the election and therefore qualifies to participate.
The CFN’s leadership change comes at a time when the organization continues to play a crucial role in promoting child advocacy in Sierra Leone. The network has been a platform for children to express their views and participate in decision-making processes. The new executive will be expected to build on the CFN’s established role in promoting child participation and children’s rights.
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA), in collaboration with Plan International and Save the Children, supervised the election process to ensure its transparency and credibility. The MoGCA’s involvement is a testament to the government’s commitment to supporting child advocacy efforts in Sierra Leone. The CFN’s new leadership will work closely with the ministry and other stakeholders to promote child rights and participation.
Child advocacy is a critical aspect of promoting children’s rights and well-being in Sierra Leone. The CFN’s efforts have contributed significantly to raising awareness about child rights and promoting child participation in decision-making processes. The new executive will be expected to continue this work, addressing the concerns and interests of children in Sierra Leone.
The CFN’s new national executive will play a vital role in shaping the future of child advocacy in Sierra Leone. With the support of the MoGCA, Plan International, and Save the Children, the new leadership will work to promote child rights, participation, and well-being in the country. The CFN’s efforts will continue to ensure that children’s views are represented in discussions and decisions affecting them.
Key points
- The Children’s Forum Network elects a new national executive to lead child advocacy efforts in Sierra Leone.
- The new executive is led by Sheriff Bangura as president, with support from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and international organizations.
- The election process was marked by controversy, with the outgoing president and a candidate’s lawyers raising concerns about the process.
