By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, H.E. Dr. Lansana Gberie, has engaged China’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, H.E. Mr. Jia Guide, to present the candidature of Prof. Dr. Abdul G. Koroma Jalloh for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027-2036 term and seek China’s support.
The meeting, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, underscored the commitment of both countries to promoting multilateralism, international cooperation, and respect for the rule of law.
During the engagement, Ambassador Gberie highlighted Prof. Dr. Jalloh’s qualifications, experience, and expertise in international law, while explaining Sierra Leone’s decision to nominate him for the ICJ election, which is scheduled to take place in 2026 through the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.
Ambassador Gberie emphasized Sierra Leone’s belief that the ICJ plays a vital role in the peaceful resolution of international disputes and the advancement of global justice through the application of international law.
In response, Ambassador Jia Guide welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting a rules-based international order and strengthening multilateral institutions. Both representatives agreed on the importance of cooperation among nations in addressing global challenges and promoting peace and stability.
Dr. Lansana Gberie has served as Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva since July 2018. He previously served as Coordinator of the UN Panel of Experts on Liberia and as a Political Affairs Officer with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). In 2022, he was elected Chairperson of the Bureau of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Ambassador Jia Guide assumed office as China’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva in December 2025. Since taking up his post, he has engaged with leaders of several UN agencies based in Geneva, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), World Health Organization (WHO), and International Organization for Migration (IOM), on issues relating to multilateral cooperation.
Sierra Leone and China reaffirmed their shared commitment to working within the United Nations framework to advance peace, sustainable development, and international justice.