A high-level joint assessment mission by international moral guarantors has concluded a week-long review of the implementation of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) and the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee in Sierra Leone. The mission called for sustained dialogue, political restraint, and accelerated reforms ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The mission, undertaken jointly by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and the Commonwealth Secretariat, was in Sierra Leone from 13 to 20 April 2026.
It was co-led by former Vice President of The Gambia, Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang; UNOWAS Deputy Special Representative, Barrie Freeman; and Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, Tanmaya Lal. The delegation was supported by technical experts from ECOWAS, the United Nations, and the Commonwealth, with facilitation from the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC).
During the visit, the team met with President Julius Maada Bio, senior government officials including Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh and Attorney General Alpha Sesay as well as the leadership of the All People’s Congress (APC), other political parties, electoral authorities, security agencies, civil society organisations, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The mission noted both progress and remaining challenges in implementing the 2023 Agreement for National Unity and the Tripartite Committee’s recommendations. It stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue and consensus-building among political actors to safeguard peace, stability, and democratic governance.
Key areas of discussion included electoral reforms, governance arrangements, the use of census data, and political inclusion. The mission welcomed the introduction of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in Parliament, describing it as a crucial step in the reform process.
On electoral matters, the mission highlighted that the final electoral system for the 2028 elections will be determined through ongoing parliamentary processes. It encouraged stakeholders to reach consensus on strengthening voter registration, results management systems, and broader electoral integrity frameworks in line with international standards.
Regarding the ongoing Population and Housing Census, stakeholders agreed that the data should serve both development and electoral purposes. The Government committed to ensuring an inclusive approach involving political parties in the use of the 2026 census data.
The mission further underscored the need for comprehensive electoral reforms, including the restructuring of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). It noted that political parties agreed this process should be completed by 31 December 2026 under the Tripartite framework, warning that delays could trigger a review by the guarantors and stakeholders.
In a key outcome of facilitated dialogue between the Government and the APC, both sides agreed to restructure the Tripartite implementation mechanism to enhance inclusivity. This includes the establishment of a high-level oversight body, expansion of the steering committee to accommodate broader political and civil society representation, and the creation of a legal expert team to support constitutional and legislative reforms.
The mission also called for the urgent establishment of a parliamentary standing committee on electoral matters to strengthen oversight of electoral preparedness ahead of the 2028 elections.
On security and political engagement, stakeholders were encouraged to reinforce coordination among security agencies and civil society, while exploring stronger engagement between the National Security Council and political actors.
The mission urged all political leaders, parties, and citizens to refrain from hate speech, misinformation, and inflammatory rhetoric, warning that such actions could undermine national cohesion and peace.
It further called for sustained trust-building measures, regular dialogue, and improved information-sharing among political stakeholders to ensure the timely implementation of outstanding reforms.
The delegation expressed appreciation to President Bio, the Government of Sierra Leone, political parties, the ICPNC, development partners, and civil society organizations for their cooperation and hospitality.
The international moral guarantors reaffirmed their continued commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s democratic consolidation, inclusive governance, and long-term peace and stability.
