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The 33rd Ordinary Session of the African Peer Review (APR) Forum of Heads of State and Government took place in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on 6 February 2024. Chaired by H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone and Chairperson of the APR Forum, the meeting discussed and adopted targeted review reports for Uganda, Ghana, and Mozambique, along with progress reports for Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire.
The Forum welcomed the Central African Republic as the 44th member of the APR Mechanism, approved the new Bureau of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons, and confirmed the new APRM Troika, with Algeria as the incoming Chairperson.
A significant moment was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Second Review of the Republic of Sierra Leone by President Bio and Dr. Abdoulie Janneh, Chairperson of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons. This marks the official launch of Sierra Leone’s self-assessment process covering democracy, economic governance, corporate governance, socio-economic development, and state resilience. The review aims to conclude by the end of 2025.
The APR Forum, a voluntary self-assessment mechanism for promoting good governance and sustainable development in Africa, hosted several African leaders and representatives from the African Union Commission and other AU organs.
According to Mohamed Sheshu Sheriff, the Executive Secretary of the APRM National Secretariat, the meeting facilitated discussions on Africa’s governance and development, addressing challenges and highlighting President Julius Maada Bio’s significant role in advancing the APRM’s objectives.
Mr. Sheriff emphasized that the APRM Statutory Meetings in Freetown go beyond diplomatic visibility, showcasing Sierra Leone’s commitment to stability and development on the continental stage.
He noted that these meetings serve as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, fostering capacity building within Sierra Leone’s government institutions and laying the foundation for long-term partnerships. President Bio’s strategic leadership has positioned Sierra Leone as a regional leader, actively contributing to shaping policies aligned with the African Union’s vision. The event reflects Sierra Leone’s transformative journey toward becoming a pivotal force in African governance and development.
