By Kelfala Kargbo
Freetown, 26th November 2025- At a high-level stakeholders’ consultation at the Foreign Academy, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development has launched the African Peer Review Mechanism’s Second-Generation Country Review Mission and led the handing over of the country’s Self-Assessment Report to APRM’s Continental Representative to Sierra Leone.
In her statement, Kenyeh Barley, MOPED Minister, said that Sierra Leone had embraced APRM not as an obligation but as an opportunity to reflect, reform and find its place among countries that champion good governance.
“The Self-Assessment Report captures our achievements, acknowledges our challenges and charts the way forward,” said Barley.
In the aftermath of the country’s eleven-year civil conflict, Sierra Leone became a member of the APRM. The country’s First-Generation Review was done in 2012, laying the foundation for a post-conflict reconstruction.
Speaking at the launch, Chairman Ambrose James, remarked that the APRM has been a ‘cornerstone’ in Sierra Leone’s governance journey since 2004, noting the country’s efforts through peer learning and accountability.
“From a Fundamental Country Review in 2012, Targeted Review on Health Governance and COVID-19 in 2022 to targeted Review on Unconstitutional Change in 2023, Sierra Leone has been positioned not just as participant but as key continental player,” James shared, explaining the country’s journey at the APRM.
Panel Lead, APRM Continental Secretariat, Dr. Abdoulie Jannah, urged the government to implement recommendations highlighted in the report. Jannah said that it is only when the government is willing to invest its resources that a ‘good job’ has been done.
Citing a case study of Ghana’s Peer Review report, Janneh said the report recommended that a billion dollars be spent on reform of the judiciary, but failed to implement it. He warned Sierra Leone not to tread on similar footing.
Chairperson National Governing Council, Prof. Ezekiel Duramany-Lakkoh, commended APRM National Secretariat and MOPED for their willingness to support, which led to the successful completion of the report. Duramany-Lakkoh stated that the report marks a step towards strengthening governance and sustainable development across the country. He acknowledged that the review process was rigorous and credible, reflecting the views of citizens.
In his statement, Mohamed Sheshu Sheriff, Executive Secretary APRM Secretariat, affirmed that the report is not a document written in offices but as the collective voice of Sierra Leoneans. Sheriff went on to say the report was a reflection of their resilience and hope for a brighter future.
The Presidential Directive issued in June 2025 repositioned APRM National Secretariat under the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, fusing governance with development planning.
