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Professor Dr. Charles Jalloh, Sierra Leone’s candidate for election as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has commenced a series of high-level diplomatic engagements in Brussels, Belgium, as part of efforts to garner support ahead of the Court’s elections scheduled for November 2026.
On Monday, 1 June 2026, Professor Jalloh, accompanied by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Belgium, Philip Bob Jusu, held meetings with several embassies and diplomatic missions. The engagements included discussions with the Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, H.E. Fei Shengchao; the French Ambassador, H.E. Lapeyre de Cabanes; Somalia’s Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Jaffar Jama; Russia’s Minister-Counsellor, Mr. Alexey Korzhuev; and Pakistan’s Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Muhammad Faisal Fayyaz.
Presenting Sierra Leone’s case, Ambassador Jusu highlighted the critical role of the International Court of Justice in maintaining peaceful relations among nations and promoting the rule of law in resolving international disputes.
“We are here to respectfully seek your support for Sierra Leone’s candidacy in the November ICJ elections,” Ambassador Jusu said. “We believe Professor Jalloh’s election would strengthen Africa’s voice and contribution within one of the world’s most important judicial institutions.”
He added that Sierra Leone was seeking support on the basis of Professor Jalloh’s competence, integrity, and commitment to balanced representation within the global judicial system.
Ambassador Jusu further noted that the candidacy comes at a time when Sierra Leone is undertaking significant regional responsibilities, including its current position as Chair of ECOWAS. He said the country’s engagement with international partners reflects both a national commitment and a broader regional interest in strengthening effective multilateral institutions.
Professor Jalloh expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the diplomats and outlined the principles underpinning his candidacy: integrity, independence, and impartiality. He noted that these values have guided his academic career, professional practice, and international service, including his work as a member of the International Law Commission.
The diplomats commended Professor Jalloh’s distinguished record and indicated that they would convey the outcomes of the engagements to their respective governments for consideration.
Additional diplomatic meetings are expected to continue on 2 June as Sierra Leone intensifies its campaign ahead of the November elections.
