Following the end of the tenure of H.E President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa as Chairperson of the African Peer Review Mechanism, it was the turn of the West Africa Region to occupy the chairship.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, H.E Geoffery Onyeama submitted Nigeria as a candidate for the chairship of African Peer Review Mechanism and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, H.E Professor David J. Francis submitted Sierra Leone as a candidate for the chairship of the African Peer Review Mechanism. Nigeria and Sierra Leone were the only two candidates submitted for the chairship of the African Peer Review Mechanism.

On Saturday 5th February 2022 in Addis Ababa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, H.E Geoffery Onyeama informed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, H.E Professor David J. Francis that Nigeria had WITHDRAWN its candidacy for the chairship of the African Peer Review Mechanism.

In the Report of the outgoing Chairperson of the African Peer Review Mechanism to the 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on Sunday 6th February 2022, H.E Cyril Ramaphosa submitted that Sierra Leone was the sole candidate of the chairship of the African Peer Review Mechanism and the Assembly endorsed H.E Dr. Julius Maada Bio as the New Chairperson of the African Peer Review Mechanism. Sierra Leone was praised for the excellent progress in promoting Democracy, Rule of Law and Good Governance by the outgoing chair.

H.E President Dr. Julius Maada Bio will now chair the African Peer Review Forum of Heads of State and Government which is the highest decision making authority of the African Peer Review Mechanism. Sierra Leone’s President will serve a term of two years: February 2022 – 2024.

Responding to the endorsement by the Assembly, H.E Professor David J. Francis stated: “This is a demonstration of the continental respect that AU Member States have for Sierra Leone and President Julius Maada Bio based on his credible leadership of the C-10 and his ability to deliver on African global agenda.”

Once again, congratulations to H.E President Julius Maada Bio as you now serve as a true beacon of democracy, rule of law and good governance in Africa. A special commendation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E Professor, David Francis for such a diplomatic success.