Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., has outlined three major priorities for Africa in strengthening international justice: deeper continental solidarity, equitable representation in global institutions and renewed commitment to international law.
He also appealed to African States and the wider international community to support Sierra Leone’s candidate, Professor Charles C. Jalloh, for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The Attorney-General made the call while delivering a keynote address on the “Role of the International Court of Justice in the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes in Africa” at the Foreign Service Academy on Tower Hill in Freetown, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
He delivered the address on behalf of Vice-President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who was unable to attend because of an urgent engagement.
Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts and declining confidence in multilateral institutions, Alpha Sesay said smaller countries, particularly those in Africa, have a profound interest in defending a rules-based international order.
He maintained that Africa needs a strong, independent and effective ICJ, noting that African countries have increasingly relied on international law and judicial processes to resolve complex disputes peacefully.
The Attorney-General cited cases involving Burkina Faso and Mali, Libya and Chad, as well as Cameroon and Nigeria, as examples of African States choosing judicial settlement instead of confrontation.
According to him, at least 37 contentious cases brought before the ICJ have originated from Africa, with West African countries making a significant contribution to the Court’s work.
“The Court cannot eliminate disagreement between States. Its importance lies in giving States another option: to meet as sovereign equals before a court rather than as adversaries on a battlefield,” he stated.
Alpha Sesay also renewed calls for fairer African representation in major international institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council and the ICJ.
Highlighting Sierra Leone’s leadership under President Dr. Julius Maada Bio through the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government, commonly known as the C-10, he argued that West Africa deserves representation on the ICJ bench.
He clarified that the demand for equitable representation must remain firmly connected to professional competence and integrity.
“We are not arguing for geography instead of merit. We are arguing that excellence and equitable representation can and should go together,” he emphasized.
Turning to Sierra Leone’s candidature, the Attorney-General thanked Ghana, Nigeria and other West African countries for supporting Professor Charles C. Jalloh’s bid. He described the renowned jurist as highly qualified and capable of making a meaningful contribution to the Court.
Alpha Sesay pointed to Sierra Leone’s role in establishing the Special Court for Sierra Leone, its service on the United Nations Security Council and its participation in international climate proceedings as evidence of the country’s longstanding commitment to justice, multilateralism and the rule of law.
He urged African countries, smaller States and international partners to translate their calls for greater African representation into concrete support for qualified African candidates.
“We cannot call for greater African representation and then hesitate to put forward our own globally renowned jurists to serve,” he said.
Concluding with the message, “Africa must support Africa,” Alpha Sesay described the ICJ as a cornerstone of the international rule of law. He called for stronger solidarity among African and smaller States, stressing that international law, credible institutions and multilateral cooperation remain essential safeguards for global peace and stability.
