By Mackie M. Jalloh
Sierra Leone has embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of its Second-Generation African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Country Review, a 22-day nationwide initiative aimed at evaluating governance, development, and accountability across the nation. This high-level mission, championed under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, represents more than an assessment—it is a deliberate effort to spark national reflection and chart a roadmap for sustainable progress.
The APRM, Africa’s flagship self-assessment tool for democracy and good governance, offers countries the opportunity to critically examine their institutional performance, citizen engagement, and policy outcomes. For Sierra Leone, the second-generation review is not merely procedural; it is a call to action, designed to ensure that citizens’ voices are central to shaping the future of governance and public service delivery.
Earlier in February 2024, the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing the APRM process, followed by a Presidential Directive in June 2025 establishing the APRM Secretariat within the Ministry of Public Enterprises and Development (MoPED). These steps signal Sierra Leone’s determination to lead by example on the continent, demonstrating transparency, accountability, and a commitment to evidence-based reform.
“This review is about honest reflection, constructive critique, and collective action,” said a senior government official involved in the process. “It is an opportunity for citizens from every district, town, and village to contribute to the country’s growth, governance, and national development agenda.”
Over the course of the review, regional consultations will be held in Freetown, Port Loko, Makeni, Bo, Kenema, and Kono, engaging communities across the country. Participants will examine the successes, challenges, and gaps in governance systems, offering recommendations that will feed into the Country Self-Assessment Report (CSAR). This report will serve as the foundation for policy adjustments, reform programs, and strategic interventions aimed at improving service delivery and citizen engagement.
Central to the process is the idea that every voice matters and every story counts. Citizens are encouraged to share experiences, ideas, and concerns, ensuring that the review is comprehensive, inclusive, and representative of Sierra Leone’s diverse communities. The slogans driving the mission—“Together We Reflect. Together We Grow” and “Listening. Learning. Improving – The APRM Way”—highlight the participatory and solutions-focused nature of the exercise.
Experts emphasize that this review is not only about identifying shortcomings but also recognizing achievements. It provides a platform to showcase Sierra Leone’s progress in areas such as democratic governance, public sector reform, economic growth, and social development. At the same time, it addresses pressing challenges including institutional capacity, accountability, and citizen participation.
The culmination of the review will see the CSAR presented to the President on December 8, offering a comprehensive overview of the nation’s governance performance and a roadmap for actionable reforms. This is expected to guide future policymaking, strengthen institutions, and enhance Sierra Leone’s credibility as a country committed to high standards of governance and development.
As Sierra Leone undertakes this bold national reflection, the APRM Second-Generation Review emerges as a unifying platform—bringing citizens, government, and development partners together to chart a shared path forward. By embracing listening, learning, and improving, the country is setting the stage for a future where governance is inclusive, responsive, and accountable, and where every Sierra Leonean has a stake in building the nation they deserve.
Call to Action: Citizens are urged to participate actively, share their perspectives, and help craft the Sierra Leone of tomorrow. Your voice matters. Your story counts.
