By: Mohamed Sahr
mohamedsahrpro@gmail.com
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh is a prominent Sierra Leonean politician who holds a PhD in Political Science and International Relations, and has extensive experience working for the United Nations and other international organizations. He is currently serving as the country’s Vice President since April 4, 2018.
Born in 1970 in Kono District, Dr. Jalloh started his educational journey in Kono, where he attended the Islamic Primary School and later the Koidu Secondary School. He obtained his Advanced Level qualifications at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School in Freetown.
Dr. Jalloh earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, before earning himself a Master of Science Degree, also in Political Science, from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. He later completed a Doctorate in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Bordeaux in France. Dr. Jalloh’s extensive education in political science and international relations has been instrumental in his career as a politician and his work in promoting good governance, peace-building, and conflict resolution in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Before entering into the politics arena, Dr. Jalloh worked as a West African Analyst for the International Crisis Group, covering Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Guinea Bissau as a metropolitan expert. His work at the United Nations covered peace-building, conflict resolution, and promoting good governance in conflict-affected countries. Dr. Jalloh’s work with the International Crisis Group got him involved with the Campaign for Good Governance in Sierra Leone.
There he led ground-breaking studies, including one on the state of education in the country, aiming to identify challenges and opportunities for improvement. By focusing on education, Jalloh sought to address one of the critical foundations of a functioning democracy and a prosperous society.
Dr. Jalloh began his professional career with the United Nations in March 2000, serving as a Program Officer at the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). His dedication and expertise in political science and international relations catalysed his UN career, which ultimately led him to work as a Senior Advisor at the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). All through his time with the United Nations, Dr. Jalloh gained invaluable experience in peace-building, conflict resolution, and promoting good governance in conflict-affected countries.
This wealth of knowledge and his deep commitment to public service eventually brought him back to his home country of Sierra Leone, where he became an influential figure in the political landscape. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s journey from a UN official to the Vice President of Sierra Leone is clearly remarkable.
As Vice President, Jalloh has played a vital role in shaping the country’s policies and representing Sierra Leone on numerous international platforms. His unwavering dedication to fostering economic growth, improving healthcare and education, and promoting peace and stability has made him an instrumental figure in Sierra Leone’s development. His achievements are centred on key priority areas including advancing good governance and social change, advocating for gender equity and quality healthcare, as well as harnessing community-driven solutions that help foster a nation.
Thus, Dr. Jalloh’s new role as the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone under the premiership of His Excellency President Bio suggests a significant transition from his UN career to a position of national leadership. In all of this, V.P Jalloh not only supports the President’s drive for national development and global leadership, but he also champions a crucial role in shaping Sierra Leone’s policies and representing the country at international events.
His advancement of good governance and social change was demonstrated when publicly acknowledged by the first lady madam Fatima Bio for his exceptional leadership in securing the highly coveted Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact. The $480 million grant represents a transformative opportunity for the nation, aimed at addressing critical infrastructure deficits and enhancing the overall quality of life for millions of Sierra Leoneans.
Advancing Good Governance and Social Change
Advancing good governance and social change has been at the heart of Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s work throughout his career. As a UN official, he gained valuable experience in promoting democratic principles and supporting post-conflict reconciliation efforts. In Sierra Leone, he has continued this work as Vice President by supporting initiatives that foster transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.
Additionally, the MCC Compact is designed to expand and strengthen Sierra Leone’s national electricity transmission network, significantly increasing access to reliable electricity in major towns and enhancing the sector’s financial viability. This initiative is not just a financial boost; it is a lifeline for economic growth, providing the necessary infrastructure to support industries, schools, and households alike.
Dr. Jalloh has also been instrumental in driving social change, particularly in the areas of gender equality and healthcare. Under his leadership, Sierra Leone has made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality rates and enacting legislation to protect women and children from violence and discrimination. By championing these causes, Jalloh has demonstrated his commitment to creating a more just and equitable society for all Sierra Leoneans.
A Champion for Gender Equality and Healthcare
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has been a vocal and active champion for gender equality and healthcare in Sierra Leone, spearheading legislative advancements and promoting community-driven solutions to tackle social issues. Under his leadership, the Sexual Offenses Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act were enacted, providing crucial legal protections for women and girls in Sierra Leone. These legislative milestones serve as a testament to Dr. Jalloh’s commitment to gender equality and his belief in the importance of safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, Dr. Jalloh has prioritised improving healthcare outcomes, with a particular focus on reducing maternal mortality rates. From 2018 to 2022, Sierra Leone witnessed a significant reduction in maternal mortality, demonstrating the effectiveness of Dr. Jalloh’s efforts in tackling this critical issue.
His advocacy for gender equality and healthcare is not limited to legislation and policy. He has also emphasised the need for community-driven solutions to address issues such as gender-based violence, recognising the importance of grassroots initiatives in creating lasting change. By encouraging communities to take ownership of these challenges, Dr. Jalloh has helped to foster a culture of empowerment and social responsibility in Sierra Leone.
Harnessing Community-Driven Solutions
Harnessing community-driven solutions has been an essential component of Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s approach to addressing social issues in Sierra Leone. Recognising that sustainable change often begins at the grassroots level, Dr. Jalloh has emphasised the importance of empowering communities to tackle challenges such as gender-based violence and healthcare disparities.
By supporting and promoting local initiatives, he has helped to build a sense of ownership and accountability among community members. This approach encourages individuals to take an active role in addressing issues that affect their daily lives, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency.
Moreover, Dr. Jalloh’s focus on community-driven solutions acknowledges the unique cultural and social dynamics of Sierra Leonean society. By tailoring solutions to fit the needs and values of local communities, he has helped to ensure that interventions are both effective and culturally appropriate. Through his commitment to community-driven solutions, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has demonstrated a forward-thinking and inclusive approach to governance, one that prioritizes the empowerment of Sierra Leoneans to shape their own future.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s journey is a testament to his passion for creating positive change and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those around him.
From his beginnings as a UN official to his current role as Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Jalloh’s remarkable career has been defined by an ability to tackle complex challenges with wisdom, dedication, and compassion. From his early days as a UN official to his current role as Vice President of Sierra Leone, he has consistently demonstrated a passion for creating positive change and addressing complex challenges.
Throughout his journey, he has championed the importance of accountability, transparency, and citizen engagement in fostering democratic societies. As Sierra Leone continues to navigate the complexities of social and economic development, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh remains an inspirational figure, committed to serving his country and its people. His remarkable career serves as a testament to the power of determination, vision, and compassion in shaping a brighter future for all.