This was followed by an ECOWAS Pre-electoral Fact-finding Mission in February, complemented by series of training workshops on election-related mediation and dispute resolution, targeting faith-based organizations and community peace actors in the country. Prof. Sawyer congratulated the new ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Gen. Francis Behazin, on his appointment and formally welcomed him to his first observation assignment. On behalf of Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, new president of the ECOWAS Commission, Commissioner Behazin, who is leading the Commission’s Technical Support Team for the Mission, welcomed the observers and urged them to carry out their assignment with effectiveness and precision. He said the general elections would mark a major step toward consolidation of peace and democracy in Sierra Leone, and the larger ECOWAS Community, adding that the Commission had provided financial and other forms of support to ensure the success of the electoral process. Members of the Long-Term Observation Core Team also provided the observers with relevant information on the situation report, and also went through the observation Code of Conduct with them.

Source: Daily Observer March 06, 2018 02:26 UTC