President Julius Maada Bio, in collaboration with South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, participated in commemorating the 20th anniversary of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in Johannesburg, South Africa on December 12, 2023.
The event, spanning from December 10 to 14, 2023, features a series of discussions and gatherings centered around the theme: “Accelerating and Deepening Governance Reform, Measures and Intervention.” The APRM, an institution within the African Union (AU) framework, operates on a voluntary basis with member States’ participation.
Established in 2003 by AU member States to facilitate self-assessment of governance performance, President Bio, the incumbent Chairperson of the African Peer Review Forum of Heads of State and Government, highlighted significant strides achieved through the APRM. He emphasized the considerable improvements observed in diverse governance sectors among participating member States.
Professor Eddy Maloka, the Chief Executive Officer of the APRM’s Continental Secretariat, commended President Bio for his steadfast commitment to advancing good governance throughout the continent. He applauded Bio’s leadership in engaging fellow Heads of State on the findings of the APRM Report, particularly addressing unconstitutional changes in African Governments, with the aim of involving all AU member States.
President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated the paramount role of the APRM in enhancing good governance, emphasizing its ongoing transformative impact. He underscored the voluntary peer review process’s efficacy in helping Governments align priorities and meet crucial governance benchmarks, urging action based on the APRM report findings.
The culminating highlight of the event was the presentation of an award to President Julius Maada Bio in recognition of his exemplary leadership as Chairperson of the Forum of Heads of State and Government, honoring his unwavering commitment to spotlighting the African Union’s APRM and promoting good governance across the continent.
