| By State House Communication Unit Apr 7, 2017 |
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President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma has described the former Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Haja Dr Zainab Hawa Bangura as a testimony of an excellent job. He made this commendation during a courtesy call on him by the former UN envoy on Thursday 6th April 2017 at State House in Freetown.
Madam Zainab Bangura, whose service at the United Nations ended on 31st March 2017, has returned home to specifically thank President Koroma for sending her to the UN mission on secondment after a successful four-year period. Madam Bangura is the fourth Sierra Leonean and first female to serve at the level of Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) of the UN.
Making her statement, the former SRSG said she served in 19 countries in all continents where she worked with the justice system, security sectors, ministries of foreign affairs and several stakeholders. She also worked in seven countries that are prone to terrorist attacks around the world.
Madam Zainab Bangura further noted that her experience as Minister of Health and Sanitation as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation under President Koroma’s leadership helped her significantly in discharging her duties at the UN. During the Ebola epidemic, she was part of the United Nations committee for emergency response to the outbreak and was the most senior officer of the three most hit countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. She also stated that in the midst of her challenges, she was very proud of being a Sierra Leonean and assured of her continued service to the nation.
In his welcome remarks, President Koroma expressed delight over the excellent performance by Madam Zainab Bangura in a very high capacity at the world’s premier body. “I know you have the capacity to go the extra mile and that was why I did not exercise any doubt in mind in my recommendations.” He acknowledged her efforts to support the nation during the unprecedented Ebola outbreak and thanked her for making Sierra Leone proud.
The president disclosed that he has been receiving praise of her outstanding performance at the UN and hope that she remains engaged in her next endeavour in serving the nation.
