Under the leadership of Executive Secretary Mohamed Sheshu Sheriff, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Sierra Leone Office embarked on a regional tour from November 8 to November 11, 2023, to raise awareness about the launch of the groundbreaking APRM Targeted Review Report on “Unconstitutional Change of Government in Sierra Leone.”

The tour covered key regional capitals, including Bo and Kenema, and aimed to engage stakeholders, generate interest, and gather feedback on the report’s findings.

Regional Stakeholder Engagement;

The regional tour facilitated constructive dialogues with District and City Councils, provincial secretaries, and district officers, promoting awareness and understanding of the APRM’s role in advancing good governance and political stability in Sierra Leone. Discussions emphasized collaboration between the APRM Sierra Leone Office and local authorities to implement recommendations effectively.

Radio Engagements and Public Discourse;

Radio discussions at Star Line Radio in Kenema and Classic Radio in Bo City broadened the reach of the awareness campaign. These sessions encouraged open exchanges on the implications of the targeted review, emphasizing the APRM’s role in fostering accountability, transparency, and participatory governance. Citizens had the opportunity to voice opinions, creating a valuable feedback loop for future APRM initiatives.

Consultations with Provincial Secretaries and District Officers;

Productive consultations with provincial secretaries and district officers delved into the targeted review’s significance. The engagements highlighted potential impacts on constitutional review, justice sector restructuring, and overall state institution strengthening. Regional stakeholders expressed commitment to collaborating with the APRM Sierra Leone Office in implementing recommendations at the grassroots level.

APRM Process and Targeted Review Mechanism;

The APRM is a voluntary self-assessment and peer review process established by the African Union in 2003 to promote good governance and socio-economic development in African countries. Sierra Leone joined in 2004 and completed its first country review in 2012. The Targeted Review Mechanism, introduced in 2016, addresses specific thematic issues of national or continental interest, providing timely and relevant policy advice.

Launch of the Unconstitutional Change of Government in Sierra Leone Report;

President Julius Maada Bio initiated the first-ever Targeted Review on the causes and consequences of Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCG) in Africa, using Sierra Leone as a case study. The report, launched on November 1, 2023, covers historical context, legal frameworks, regional and international support, and impacts of UCGs. It offers crucial recommendations for strengthening democratic institutions and governance.

Successful Tour Sets Positive Tone for Future Engagements;

The regional tour by the APRM Sierra Leone Office achieved its objectives, showcasing Sierra Leone’s commitment to the APRM process. The initiative emphasized the country’s leadership and willingness to share experiences, setting a positive tone for future engagements. The collaborative spirit displayed during the tour reinforces Sierra Leone’s dedication to APRM principles, paving the way for continued outreach and dissemination activities for the inclusive implementation of the report and the National Program of Action. For more information, contact the APRM National Secretariat at 12 Pultney Street, Freetown, or on

 

http://[email protected].