Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has called for urgent collective action to address its devastating impacts on stability, security, and the environment.
Bio stated this on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, during a welcome speech at the ongoing ECOWAS high-level seminar on illegal mining in Freetown, Republic of Sierra Leone.
According to him: “Illegal mining poses a serious threat to our region’s socio-economic development, stability, and security,” President Bio warned, highlighting its far-reaching consequences. “It fuels human rights abuses, environmental degradation, and economic crimes like tax evasion and corruption.”
The President further stressed that illegal mining undermines sustainability: “This illegal activity hinders the responsible development of our mineral resources, jeopardising long-term benefits.”
He called for a collective action: “We must join forces to strengthen legal frameworks, enhance cross-border cooperation, and curb illegal mining significantly.”
Empowering communities is key: “By fostering inclusive growth and empowering local communities, we can create alternatives to illegal mining and promote sustainable development.”
As a panacea, he recommended the strengthening of legal and regulatory frameworks, enhancing cross-border cooperation, addressing root causes like poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods, promoting sustainable mining practices, and Empowering local communities.
President Bio expressed confidence that the seminar will yield “recommendations that accelerate the implementation of effective policies to safeguard our economies and the environment.” He also commended the outgoing ECOWAS Parliament for its contributions to regional democracy and good governance.
This high-level meeting marks a significant step towards addressing the complex challenge of illegal mining in West Africa. As President Bio urged, the collective action and commitment of ECOWAS member states will be critical in ensuring sustainable development of the region’s resources and the well-being of its people.
The seminar, attended by policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from across West Africa, discussed key strategies for tackling illegal mining.
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