BY THOMAS DIXON
232NEWS, FREETOWN
Following the interview of the United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer in which he clearly stated the United States position, government functionaries have responded in what look like a war of words to the US Ambassador.
In his Facebook Post, the Chief Minister, David Sengeh stated that Sierra Leone and the United States have a deep history of mutual respect and shared aspirations for their people and that they are committed to their dreams and hopes.
“The relationship between our country and any other state is bigger than any single individual’s ego or specific program,” he stated.
He explained that when they invested 20% in education, they did it for their children and that when they passed global corruption indices, they do it for the future.
“When we invest in girls education and human rights, we do it for ourselves. Make no mistake that as leaders of our country, our sovereignty and our national security is more important than anything,” he said.
That when they invest and build systems for a reason and no external body can tell them how they can mediate their own challenges.
He continued that this is the reason that he is happy the President has set up an independent committee headed by the excellent Vice President to look into all election-related issues and bodies so that they can use to protect the votes of the people in the future.
“This is why I am happy the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion is facilitating the conversations between the opposition and government. This is why I am happy we are moving steadfastly on our ambitious national investment and transformation plans,” he said.
He noted that he finds it quite fascinating that people believe African governments sit and wait for congratulatory messages from western powers.
“We are equals as nations, irrespective of our economy. We are equals as nations, no matter how much help we receive from others. We are equals as nations, no matter our chosen bilateral relations with other nations,” he said
He furthered that when their partners make incendiary statements that have the potential to disrupt our security and democracy backed by their own data and personal beliefs, they must understand that there are consequences to those words.
