In a significant diplomatic move, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone convened a vital meeting with the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mr. Karim Khan KC, on Tuesday, September 19th, 2023.
The discussions centered on Sierra Leone’s prominent role within the ICC and its position as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
During the productive meeting, Prosecutor Khan expressed his eagerness to bolster the already robust partnership between Sierra Leone and the ICC.
In particular, he called upon Sierra Leone to assume a leadership role representing the African members of the UN Security Council (A3) on matters related to accountability and the ICC.
Sierra Leone’s remarkable achievements in the realm of upholding the rule of law were acknowledged by Prosecutor Khan, who commended the nation’s unwavering commitment to justice and human rights. This recognition underscores Sierra Leone’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of justice and human rights on the international stage.
Throughout the discussions, President Bio reiterated Sierra Leone’s steadfast commitment to advancing accountability and the protection of human rights during its tenure on the Security Council.
The President emphasized his government’s readiness to continue leading in support of the ICC’s mission, enabling it to fulfill its critical mandates and responsibilities.