SLCAA Delegation, Led by Director General, Engages with ICAO/WACAF in Dakar
Dakar, Senegal – On January 24, 2024, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) delegation, headed by Director General Mrs. Musayeroh Barrie, held a productive meeting at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Western and Central Africa Office. During the session, Director General Barrie presented the SLCAA’s objectives and expressed gratitude to ICAO WACAF for their valuable assistance, particularly for their support during the recently concluded ICAO Safety Audit in Sierra Leone, which resulted in an impressive score of 72.6%.
With a clear vision and the unwavering support of the Government of Sierra Leone, Director General Barrie is committed to driving the growth of Sierra Leone’s aviation industry. She aims to leverage the knowledge and expertise of ICAO, the renowned “mother of aviation” in the region, to achieve this goal.
During her presentation, Mrs. Musayeroh Barrie emphasized that safety and security are of paramount importance to the SLCAA. The organization aspires to become a strategic player in the aviation industry not only within Africa but also on a global scale.
The Director General highlighted several key areas of interest for the SLCAA, including flight procedure design and implementation, assistance with RFIR’s AIM results-based implementation system projects, and the establishment of an ICAO-certified training school in Sierra Leone. Other focal points mentioned were the development of a civil aviation master plan, the removal of Sierra Leone from the EU safety list, and the ICAO AVSEC Instructors course.
In addition to these objectives, Director General Barrie expressed her determination to revive domestic flights, stimulate aviation activity in Sierra Leone, attract more airlines, and expand regional flights.
Mr. Prosper Zo’o Minto’o, Regional Director for ICAO Western and Central African office, warmly welcomed the SLCAA delegation and commended Sierra Leone’s progress in the aviation industry. He emphasized ICAO’s role as the leading authority in aviation and confirmed the accreditation of its regional office to Sierra Leone.
During the meeting, the ICAO WACAF office provided insights into its operational structures, achieved results, roles and responsibilities, collaboration with states and stakeholders, as well as ongoing AFI projects and studies. They also discussed key priorities for the years 2023-2025, focus areas, and challenges faced by the organization.
The Regional Director of ICAO – WACAF assured continued support for Sierra Leone and pledged to collaborate closely with the SLCAA to develop project proposals that address the areas highlighted by Director General Barrie. The parties aim to establish clear timelines for effective implementation.
This meeting marks an important step towards enhancing Sierra Leone’s aviation sector and signifies the commitment of both the SLCAA and ICAO to ensure safe and thriving skies in the region.
