The ceremony in New York was formal, full of the diplomatic language that shapes global accords, even though the significance of the moment, Sierra Leone’s accession to the UN Water Convention, ripples far beyond the halls of the UN headquarters.
With Sierra Leone’s accession, the convention now counts 57 Parties, 13 of which are from Africa, an indication of a continent-wide recognition that the old ways of managing water in isolation are no longer sufficient.
This move gives us a minute to reflect on the heart of West Africa, to the life-giving arteries of the Moa, Scarcies, and Mano rivers that stitch together the landscapes of Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia.
For the residents of the area, this isn’t just another signature on a document; rather, it’s a strategic bet on cooperation in a region where over 90% of freshwater knows no border.
As climate change tightens its grip, bringing unpredictable rains and lengthening dry seasons, the question of how to share these vital resources has become one of the most pressing issues of our time. Sierra Leone, positioned at the center of this hydrologically interconnected region, is now sending a clear signal: shared waters demand shared solutions.
“Our accession will further enhance transboundary water cooperation, reduce the risk of conflict, and foster peaceful cooperation,” stated Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Sao-Kpato Hannah Isatta Macarthy, linking the move directly to the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.
Her words outlined a stark reality: water scarcity is often a silent driver of tension; hence, through choosing the framework of the UN Water Convention, Sierra Leone is choosing a different path.
The momentum is building, as evident from Ghana and Nigeria to The Gambia and Senegal, a growing coalition of West African nations is aligning its water governance with international standards.
UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean welcomed the step, noting it “consolidates the strong momentum for water cooperation in Africa.” She urged all countries sharing water with neighbours to “harness the Convention for cooperation to strengthen peace, security, climate change adaptation and sustainable development.“
The journey to this point began in 2022, when Sierra Leone quietly engaged in the Convention’s activities. The crucial turning point was a National Workshop in January 2024, a gathering that brought together a mosaic of voices, from government ministries and local water committees to academics and civil society.
It was there, on the ground, that the abstract principles of international law were translated into a tangible plan for biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, and a more resilient future for the 8.6 million people who call Sierra Leone home.
Ultimately, this is more than just a policy shift. It is an acknowledgment that the rivers connecting these nations are not just sources of water, but sources of life, livelihood, and future peace. And Sierra Leone has just helped chart a new course for their shared management.
