In the initial 60 days of his tenure as the Executive Secretary of Sierra Leone’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) National Secretariat, Mohamed Sheshu Sheriff has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedicating himself to advancing President Julius Maada Bio’s vision.

Sheriff’s impactful leadership during this period resulted in significant achievements, highlighting his commitment to fostering good governance, democracy, and the rule of law.

Capacity Building and Unity: Under Sheriff’s leadership, organizational capacity took precedence, ensuring all staff members had access to essential resources. His focus on training initiatives and mentorship programs contributed to a harmonious and productive work environment.

Launch of UCG Report: Sheriff played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the APRM Targeted Review on “Unconstitutional Change of Government” (UCG) in Sierra Leone. This initiative, crucial for evaluating and addressing unconstitutional government changes, underscored Sheriff’s dedication to democratic principles.

Media Engagements: Recognizing the significance of communication, Sheriff engaged with over 20 media houses and 15 social media influencers. This amplified the APRM’s message, promoting transparency and accountability.

Regional Collaboration: Sheriff showcased regional leadership by forging partnerships with the APRM continental secretariat and collaborating with the Center for Global Africa. These efforts contributed to Sierra Leone’s active participation within the African Union.

Representation at APRM’s 20th Anniversary: Marking the APRM’s 20th anniversary in South Africa, Sheriff highlighted Sierra Leone’s achievements and best practices. Emphasizing President Bio’s commitment to implementing UCG targeted review recommendations.

Challenges and Recommendations:

Despite these accomplishments, the APRM faces challenges of mobility, visibility, and limited office space, confining activities to Freetown. Collaborations with democracy activists, development partners, and diplomatic missions are sought to address these challenges.

Mohamed Sheshu Sheriff’s impactful 60 days align seamlessly with President Bio’s vision for governance, democracy, and peacebuilding.

His achievements in launching the UCG targeted review, media engagements, and regional collaboration lay a solid foundation for a progressive APRM office in Sierra Leone. Sheriff’s commitment to unity among staff exemplifies his leadership style, fostering a cohesive working environment. Overall, his contributions play a crucial role in advancing Sierra Leone’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.