By Lawrence Williams
The Honorable Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh arrived in Abidjan on Friday to hold bilateral talks with Ivorian authorities on progress of the CLSG energy project and to engage representatives of Transco, the leading energy company overseeing the project.
The CLSG project is a critical energy initiative which involves the construction of high-voltage interconnection network linking Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea (CLSG), geared toward creating a vibrant energy market within the West African sub-region, and ensuring a reliable and secure power supply for the participating countries.
These meetings are a follow-up on President Julius Maada Bio’s recent engagement with his Ivorian counterparts, where they emphasized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing energy pact. The vice president’s focus is to ensure progress on this critical energy project, which holds immense potential for Sierra Leone’s development.
Back then in 2021, President Bio entrusted Vice President Juldeh Jalloh with the responsibility of engaging the Ivorian President Alhassan Outtara on expediting the CLSG electricity supply to Sierra Leone. This current visit serves as a continuation of those efforts, underscoring Sierra Leone’s commitment to securing a reliable and sustainable energy future.
During the meetings in Abidjan, Dr. Jalloh emphasized the urgent need for accelerated progress on the CLSG project. He reiterated Sierra Leone’s readiness to work closely with Ivory Coast and other CLSG member states to overcome any challenges and ensure the timely completion of the project.
The Ivorian authorities welcomed Vice President Jalloh and acknowledged the importance of the CLSG project for regional integration and development. They expressed their commitment to partnering with Sierra Leone and other CLSG countries to bring this transformative project to fruition.
In addition to discussions on the CLSG project, Dr. Jalloh’s visit to Ivory Coast presented an opportunity for broader collaboration between the two countries. He met with various Ivorian officials and business leaders to explore potential areas of cooperation, including trade, agriculture, and tourism.
The vice president’s visit to Abidjan concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing satisfaction with the fruitful discussions and renewed commitment to the CLSG project. As Sierra Leone continues on its path toward sustainable development, this critical energy initiative holds the promise of unlocking new opportunities and transforming the lives of its citizens.
