By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has sought Latvia’s support for the candidature of Professor Dr. Charles Chernor Jalloh for election as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 terms.
Minister Swaray made the appeal during a high-level diplomatic meeting with the Parliamentary Secretary of Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riga, Latvia. The visit marks what the Minister described as the first official visit by a Sierra Leonean Foreign Minister to Latvia and the Baltic States, signalling the country’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations with Northern and Eastern Europe.
During the meeting, Minister Swaray conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Julius Maada Bio to the Government and people of Latvia. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to international law, the sovereign equality of states and the peaceful settlement of disputes, describing these principles as fundamental to the country’s foreign policy.
A major focus of the discussions was Sierra Leone’s campaign to secure international support for Professor Jalloh’s candidature for a seat on the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
Minister Swaray praised Professor Jalloh’s distinguished academic and professional record, describing him as a renowned international jurist whose scholarship and practical experience reflect the highest standards of judicial independence, integrity and competence.
Professor Jalloh is a Sierra Leonean-born international lawyer and Professor of Law at Florida International University in the United States. He is recognized for his expertise in international law, international criminal law and international human rights law. He has also served as a member and Special Rapporteur of the United Nations International Law Commission and has undertaken advisory roles with the African Union, the Special Court for Sierra Leone and other international institutions.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said Professor Jalloh’s extensive experience at the intersection of international law, transitional justice and institutional reform made him well qualified to serve on the World Court. He added that his commitment to judicial independence and fairness would contribute meaningfully to the Court’s work.
“Professor Jalloh represents the best of Sierra Leone’s legal tradition and Africa’s contribution to international justice. His distinguished scholarship, extensive practical experience and steadfast commitment to judicial independence make him eminently qualified to serve on the International Court of Justice,” Minister Swaray stated.
He explained that Sierra Leone’s nomination reflects its commitment to a rules-based international order, noting that the ICJ plays a crucial role in resolving legal disputes between states, promoting the peaceful settlement of international disagreements and advancing the development of international law.
Minister Swaray further argued that Professor Jalloh’s election would strengthen the geographical and legal diversity of the Court while ensuring that African perspectives and legal traditions contribute to the interpretation and application of international law.
Beyond the ICJ candidature, the two sides explored opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation between Sierra Leone and Latvia. Areas discussed included education and academic exchanges, climate action, sustainable development, trade and investment, and collaboration within multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations.
Minister Swaray expressed Sierra Leone’s interest in benefiting from Latvia’s experience in digital governance, education reform and economic transformation. He also highlighted Sierra Leone’s priorities in human capital development, food security, regional peace and stability in West Africa.
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Parliamentary Secretary welcomed Minister Swaray to Riga and commended Sierra Leone for its active and constructive engagement at the United Nations, including its current tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. The Latvian official also acknowledged the importance of strengthening dialogue and cooperation between Africa and the Baltic region.
The meeting forms part of Sierra Leone’s wider diplomatic campaign to mobilize international support for Professor Jalloh ahead of the ICJ elections scheduled to take place at the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council in New York.
If elected, Professor Jalloh would become the first Sierra Leonean to serve as a judge of the International Court of Justice, based in The Hague, Netherlands. His election would mark a significant milestone for Sierra Leone and further highlight Africa’s contribution to international justice and the rule of law.