AYV News, February 13, 2026
The Resilience Action Network Africa (RANA), in collaboration with Resilience Action Network International (rani) and AIDE Sierra Leone, has officially launched the RANA Sierra Leone Working Group in a high-level event held at the Country Lodge Hotel, Hill Station, Freetown.
Held under the theme, “Driving Networked Advocacy to Advance Africa’s Resilience,” the launch brought together civil society leaders, policymakers, and development partners to explore how collective and coordinated advocacy can strengthen resilience efforts across sectors in Sierra Leone and beyond.
In her welcome address, Aminata Wurie, Senior Program Officer at RANA/rani, set the tone for the engagement, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
“This Working Group is about building strong partnerships and ensuring that resilience advocacy in Sierra Leone is coordinated, inclusive, and impactful,” she said. “We want to create a platform where stakeholders can align priorities and drive meaningful national-level change.”
Introducing the Resilience Action Network Africa, AggreyAluso, Executive Director of RANA and Africa Director of rani, highlighted the broader continental vision behind the initiative.
“Resilience is not a single-sector issue. It cuts across health sovereignty, climate resilience, and development financing,” Aluso stated. “Through networked advocacy, African institutions and partners can influence policy and ensure that development responses are truly responsive to Africa’s needs.”
The Sierra Leone Working Group was formally introduced by Musa Bernard Komeh, Senior Advisor for RANA Sierra Leone, who outlined its mandate and roadmap.
“The Working Group will enhance visibility, strengthen convening capabilities, and define a clear roadmap for sustained engagement on shared national priorities,” Komehexplained. “We are also preparing for a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) study and community dialogues to guide evidence-based advocacy.”
Delivering a statement as Country Convener, Mohamed Sesay, Executive Director of AIDE Sierra Leone, called for collective ownership of the resilience agenda.
“This launch marks the beginning of a coordinated national resilience movement,” Sesay said. “We are calling on all partners to take active responsibility in shaping and advancing a unified resilience agenda for Sierra Leone.”
A panel discussion moderated by Aggrey Aluso featured key voices including Francis Reffell of CODOHSAPA, Esther Kamara of YICA-SL, and Finah Gibateh of AIRDG-SL. The discussion centered on how networked advocacy can strengthen coordination, influence policies, and accelerate action in addressing development challenges.
Panelists stressed the need for inclusive participation, youth engagement, and stronger civil society collaboration to address climate vulnerability, poverty, and governance challenges.
The event climaxed with the official launch of the RANA Sierra Leone Working Group and a call for partner commitments to advance shared priorities. Theresa Grace Masuba of the Youth Partnership for Peace and Development (YPPD) reaffirmed stakeholder support for a coordinated approach to resilience-building efforts.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Alhaji Njai of Koinadugu College underscored the importance of sustained follow-up and action.
“Today’s discussions must translate into practical outcomes. Resilience requires commitment, collaboration, and continuity,” he noted.
The launch signals a new chapter in strengthening coordinated, African-led advocacy aimed at promoting health sovereignty, climate resilience, and responsive development financing in Sierra Leone and across the continent.
