The Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) officially launched the Targeted Review Report on Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Sierra Leone at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown.

This comprehensive report offers practical recommendations for addressing challenges related to unconstitutional government changes in Africa.

In his opening address, Sierra Leone’s APRM Executive Secretary, Mohamed Sheshu Sheriff, highlighted the collaborative effort that went into this report, emphasizing that it reflects the collective work of African peers. Sheriff underlined the importance of upholding democratic institutions and the African Charter on Democracy, as emphasized in the report. He commended the commitment to improving governance and unity in Africa.

“The launch of this report is not only an occasion to celebrate our achievements but is also a way to chart forward our challenges,” he noted.

Related News

He add that President Julius Maada Bio initiated this report, which sheds light on the causes and solutions to unconstitutional government changes in Africa. It was developed through extensive consultations with various stakeholders, reflecting the commitment to preventing such changes and advancing democracy and development in Sierra Leone and Africa as a whole.

Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh, representing President Bio, stressed the detrimental impact of unconstitutional changes on socio-economic development. He launched the APRM’s Bi-annual Report on Governance Mechanisms for the Implementation of Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030, with a focus on Aspiration 3 and SDG16.

Dr. Sengeh highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing the report’s recommendations, already working on some, including dialogue and constitutional review. The government is also expediting judicial and justice sector reforms to improve trials and decongest correctional centers. Furthermore, he outlined key measures to enhance democracy and governance in Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Princess Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, the Lead Panel member for Sierra Leone within the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), praised Sierra Leone’s commendable performance and practices. She highlighted the nation’s efforts in safeguarding fundamental rights, reviewing constitutional laws, and promoting constitutional democracy and accountability. She also commended the abolition of the death penalty as a significant achievement.

Ambassador Mbikusita-Lewanika emphasized that the official launch of the Targeted Review Report on Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Sierra Leone represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing commitment to strengthen governance, safeguard democracy, and promote prosperity across Africa. The report unveiled various challenges confronting Sierra Leone, including the need for improved implementation and popularization of the cybercrime law to combat the misuse of social media for spreading misinformation.

Furthermore, she commended Sierra Leone as a model for other member states in the APRM, citing exemplary practices such as the recognition and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, constitutional law reviews, control over constitutional amendments, and the cultivation of institutions supporting constitutional democracy and accountability.

Ambassador Mbikusita-Lewanika also stressed the importance of disseminating the report widely among stakeholders, including academics and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), with the goal of making it accessible to the general public. This transparent dissemination effort is intended to foster engagement and collaboration in addressing critical governance challenges.

Prof. Eddy Maloka, Chief Executive Officer of APRM’s Continental Secretariat, encouraged Sierra Leone to implement the report’s recommendations and commended President Bio’s leadership in the APRM.

Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Amara Kallon, highlighted Sierra Leone’s resilience in the face of challenges, including surviving military coups. He emphasized the country’s commitment to peace and its track record of conducting democratic elections with peaceful power transitions.

In summary, Sierra Leone’s launch of the Targeted Review Report on Unconstitutional Changes of Government marks a significant step toward improving governance, preserving democracy, and fostering socio-economic development in the nation and across Africa. The commitment to implementing the report’s recommendations reflects a shared vision for a brighter future.