By Lamin Kujabi
The Office of the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the President, in collaboration with representatives of Civil Society Organisations, last week briefed members of the press about the upcoming National Dialogue, as part of events marking the 59th Independence anniversary celebration.
Director of Press and Public Relations Amie Bojang Sissoho, explained that the President requested for a national committee to be set up and tasked to organise a National Dialogue forum as part of this year’s independence celebrations.
The committee, she revealed, consist of both individuals and institutions across the board; such as civil society, media, and other relevant stakeholders.
She informed that the committee was inaugurated on 30th January 2024 and held its first meeting to set the ball rolling.T
The agreed theme of the forum is, ‘Our collective responsibility is to preserve our nation and safeguard our resources’.
Madam Bojang Sissoko further disclosed that the President also approved a proposal from the committee that political dialogue with all the political leaders will be held and that discussion will take place on the 12th February 2024 at the State House. “The President will be there to host the party leaders and all the stakeholders who will be witnessing the process,” she explained, adding that 19 political party leaders are expected to be in attendance.
“The National Dialogue will be conducted so that as a country we can exchange ideas on national issues and pave away forward for national development,” she asserted.
The Press Director explained that six thematic areas have been identified and that members of the preparatory committee have been divided into six groups, who will be facilitating the 14th February dialogue.
Mr. John Charles Njie, a member of the committee expressed appreciation and thanked the President for tasking them with this noble work.
“For a nation to sit and talk to each other and the President will be hosting all political party leaders and representatives, it shows that the leadership of this country wants all people to come together and discuss national interest,” he said.
Mr Basiru Gaye from the National Youth Council thanked the President for coming up with such an idea, and called on the youths to participate in the national dialogue.
