Freetown, Sierra Leone – 12 May 2025 – Following the successful conclusion of the Third Africa High-Level Forum on South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development, held from 7 to 9 May 2025, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat, led by its CEO, Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, held a strategic meeting with the Government of Sierra Leone.
The meeting, facilitated by Mr. Bachir Salifou Oumarou, APRM Country Coordinator for Sierra Leone, brought together H.E. Amara Kallon, Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs and APRM Focal Point, as well as members of the newly inaugurated National Governing Council (NGC). The focus of the meeting was to initiate preparations for Sierra Leone’s second-generation Country Review, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Amara Kallon acknowledged the importance of the upcoming review, describing it as “long overdue.” He praised the composition of the new NGC, emphasizing that it includes some of the country’s most distinguished representatives from diverse sectors. He also conveyed his appreciation for Ambassador Rose-Quatre’s confidence in Sierra Leone and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the APRM process.
The nine-member NGC formally introduced itself to the APRM delegation. The Council is composed of eminent individuals with distinguished backgrounds in law, finance, gender activism, public service, and other critical fields.
In her remarks, Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre commended the swift operationalization of the NGC and highlighted the relevance of the APRM’s new Strategic Plan (2025–2028), particularly its focus on strengthening national structures. She encouraged the Council to appoint a communications focal point to work closely with the Continental Secretariat to enhance the visibility of APRM activities in Sierra Leone and beyond.
A highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Ambassador Ashraf Rashed, Chairperson of the APRM National Governing Council of Egypt, who shared insights from Egypt’s 2019 base review. He outlined the role and responsibilities of National Governing Councils as defined in the APRM’s founding documents and stressed the importance of their independence and authority in ensuring credible review processes. His presentation prompted an engaging discussion, with NGC members posing questions that were met with thoughtful answers.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ambassador Rose-Quatre and H.E. Amara Kallon, formalizing the collaboration between the APRM Continental Secretariat and the Government of Sierra Leone. The MoU marks a critical step in the roadmap toward the country’s second-generation review, which will assess progress and identify areas for governance enhancement.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org.
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