By: Salamatu Conteh
Sierra Leone has renewed its call for international support for Professor Charles C. Jalloh’s election to the International Court of Justice, the United Nations court that settles disputes between countries.
Information and Civic Education Minister Chernor Bah made the appeal while closing a symposium on the Court’s role in resolving disputes peacefully in Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation organized the event with the Center for International Law and Policy in Africa. Government officials, diplomats, judges, lawyers and civil society representatives attended.
Minister Bah made three main points.
First, he said countries need strong and trusted international courts, particularly at a time of growing conflict and political division.
“Power alone favours the powerful,” he said. “Rules and credible institutions give every State a voice and a fair hearing.”
He noted that unresolved disagreements over borders, territory and natural resources can carry serious human and economic costs. Resolving such disputes through law allows countries to protect peace, rebuild relations and focus on development.
Second, Minister Bah said Sierra Leone has shown that a country does not need to be large to influence international affairs.
He pointed to Sierra Leone’s work on climate change before international courts, its recent service on the UN Security Council, its leadership of Africa’s campaign for Security Council reform and its active role in ECOWAS and the African Union.
“Sierra Leone may be small, but we are clear in purpose and consistent in principle,” he said. “We do not simply accept decisions made in international institutions. We help shape them.”
Third, the Minister presented Professor Jalloh’s candidacy as an opportunity to strengthen African representation in one of the world’s most important legal institutions.
Professor Jalloh has received the support of ECOWAS and the African Union. Countries from several regions of the world have also joined in nominating him.
His career combines legal scholarship, public service and international experience. He has represented Sierra Leone before international tribunals, served in a leadership role at the International Law Commission, taught and written extensively, and helped train African lawyers and scholars through CILPA.
Minister Bah said Professor Jalloh’s qualifications make him a strong candidate on merit, while his election would also advance the case for fairer African representation in global institutions.
“He is rooted in Sierra Leone and Africa, and respected internationally,” the Minister said. “He brings legal ability, experience and integrity. He would serve the Court with distinction.”
The election will take place on 3 November 2026 at the United Nations in New York.
Minister Bah called on countries represented at the symposium, Sierra Leone’s partners across Africa and the wider international community to support Professor Jalloh.
He said Sierra Leone’s position was clear: countries should settle disputes through law, international institutions should reflect the people they serve, and Africa should play a leading role in them.
