Freetown – 6 May 2025 – The Chief Executive Officer of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat, Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, paid a courtesy call today on His Excellency Amara Kallon, Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs and APRM Focal Point of Sierra Leone. The meeting took place ahead of the Third Africa High-Level Forum on South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development, scheduled from 7–9 May 2025 at the International Convention Centre in Freetown.
During the engagement, Ambassador Rose-Quatre and Minister Kallon held wide-ranging discussions focused on the Forum and the strengthening of Sierra Leone’s collaboration with the APRM. The CEO emphasized the importance of sharing Africa’s success stories, particularly with younger generations, as a means to build pride, resilience, and a strong African identity. She reiterated the APRM’s commitment to support Sierra Leone, acknowledging the country’s strong political will in advancing governance through the Mechanism. She also encouraged Sierra Leone to leverage the Forum as an opportunity to engage in bilateral discussions and attract investment.
A key moment in the meeting was the symbolic presentation to Minister Kallon of the Legacy Report highlighting President Bio’s tenure as Chair of the APR Forum (2022–2024), ahead of its formal handover to the President during the Forum’s opening ceremony.
Reflecting on Africa's global standing, Ambassador Rose-Quatre noted that while the world has not always been fair to Africa, there is no time for lamentation—only action. She expressed optimism that the Forum will produce tangible and meaningful outcomes. She also highlighted the role of Algeria, current Chair of the APRM, in reigniting its Pan-African legacy. This includes Algeria’s growing influence within the African Union, exemplified by the recent election of H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi as Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission. The CEO proposed enhanced experience-sharing between Algeria and Sierra Leone, aligning with the APRM’s mission to promote mutual learning and the realization of Agenda 2063.
In response, Minister Kallon welcomed the delegation and affirmed Sierra Leone’s strong commitment to the APRM. He emphasized the Mechanism’s unique mandate to foster meaningful change within the AU system. As the country prepares for its second-generation APRM Country Review later this year, he informed the CEO that his first priority has been the establishment of a new National Governing Council, composed of individuals of integrity and chaired by a respected professor of finance. He assured the CEO that while the review will be conducted independently, he will provide full institutional support to ensure its success.
Regarding preparations for the upcoming Forum, Minister Kallon noted that, due to its scale and importance, the Presidency and multiple ministries are directly involved in its organization. The event is expected to draw between 700 and 1,000 participants, making it a significant gathering not only for Sierra Leone but for the entire continent.
He further indicated the Government of Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to the institutionalization of South-South Cooperation.
The Third Africa High-Level Forum on South-South and Triangular Cooperation will welcome participants from the United Nations and African Union systems, along with representatives from the governments of India, China, and Saudi Arabia, and officials from the African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and other international stakeholders. Discussions will focus on critical and emerging issues, including reforms of the Global Financial Architecture, digital transformation, and civil service innovation.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org.
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