By Josephine Sesay
The Government of Sierra Leone has intensified efforts to secure international support for the election of Professor Charles C. Jalloh to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), describing his candidacy as a significant opportunity to strengthen Africa’s voice and representation within one of the world’s foremost judicial institutions.
The call was made by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, while delivering closing remarks at a symposium on the role of the International Court of Justice in the peaceful resolution of disputes in Africa. The symposium was held in Freetown on Tuesday.
Minister Bah used the occasion to highlight Professor Jalloh’s extensive experience in international law and his contributions to the development of legal scholarship, particularly within Africa.
According to the Minister, Prof. Jalloh possesses the legal expertise, international exposure and professional integrity required to serve effectively on the ICJ. He also emphasised that his election would go beyond Sierra Leone’s national interests, describing it as an important step towards strengthening African representation in international institutions.
Prof. Jalloh has established himself as a prominent figure in international legal circles through his work with the International Law Commission, his involvement in representing Sierra Leone before international tribunals, and his contribution to international legal scholarship.
His academic work and efforts to train and mentor African lawyers and academics have also contributed to his growing reputation within the international legal community.
Minister Bah stressed that these credentials make Prof. Jalloh a strong candidate at a time when Africa continues to advocate for greater representation and participation in global decision-making institutions.
The campaign has already received significant regional backing, with both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) supporting Prof. Jalloh’s candidacy.
His bid has also attracted support from countries across different regions, reflecting what Sierra Leone says is growing international confidence in his qualifications and suitability for the position.
The International Court of Justice, commonly known as the World Court, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Based in The Hague, Netherlands, the Court settles legal disputes submitted by states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations organs and agencies.
For African countries, the Court plays an important role in addressing disputes that may have implications for peace, security, territorial integrity and international relations on the continent.
Against this background, Sierra Leone believes Prof. Jalloh’s extensive knowledge of international law and experience in handling complex legal matters would enable him to make a meaningful contribution to the work of the Court.
The Government is therefore calling on Sierra Leone’s international partners, fellow African states and the wider international community to support Prof. Jalloh as the election approaches.
The election is scheduled to take place on 3 November 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where the campaign will reach a critical stage.
Sierra Leone’s renewed push comes as the country seeks to build broad diplomatic support for its candidate ahead of the vote. The Government is expected to continue engaging with countries and international partners in an effort to consolidate support for Prof. Jalloh’s candidacy.
The campaign also presents an opportunity for Sierra Leone to further demonstrate its contribution to international law and multilateral diplomacy, while promoting the broader objective of ensuring that African legal expertise is adequately represented in global institutions.
With the election date drawing closer, attention is now turning to the diplomatic efforts underway to secure the votes required for Prof. Jalloh to join the International Court of Justice.
For Sierra Leone, the bid represents not only the pursuit of a prestigious international position for one of its leading legal scholars, but also a wider call for stronger African participation in shaping and interpreting the rules of international law.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 7th September 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
