New York, October 2026 Foreign Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray met Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont. Both officials discussed bilateral relations, multilateralism and Professor Charles Chernor Jalloh’s ICJ candidature. Sierra Leone seeks French support. Mr Swaray expressed Sierra Leone’s appreciation for strong bilateral relations and shared commitment to multilateralism, international peace and security, and the rule of law. He welcomed renewed momentum from high-level engagements between Presidents Bio and Macron, including President Bio’s May 2024 visit to Paris. He praised France’s re-establishment of diplomatic presence in Freetown and close UN cooperation, particularly during Sierra Leone’s recent Security Council membership. He described France as an important strategic partner and said Sierra Leone is committed to taking the relationship to a higher level. Both sides discussed trade and investment, agriculture and food security, education, security and sustainable development. On the ICJ, Mr Swaray acknowledged France’s distinguished contribution to international law and the Court. He noted Judge Ronny Abraham’s service, which ends in February 2027, and France’s nomination of Ambassador François Alabrune for the 2027–2036 term.
He said the Court’s role has never been greater, with more than 150 judgments and advisory opinions and a growing caseload. With only 15 judges, he added, membership must reflect professional competence, integrity, independence, impartiality and diverse legal systems. Sierra Leone has nominated Professor Charles Chernor Jalloh. He is an internationally respected jurist and served on the UN International Law Commission. His expertise covers public international law, international criminal law and international judicial institutions. His candidature has won endorsements from the African Union, ECOWAS and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Mr Swaray asked France to support Professor Jalloh. He acknowledged France’s own candidate and wished Ambassador Alabrune success.
He said both candidatures reflect shared commitment to strengthening the Court through highly qualified, independent and impartial jurists. He said Sierra Leone’s first preference was French support from the outset. If prior commitments prevented that, he asked France to keep Professor Jalloh under active consideration in later rounds and to convey the request to Paris and those responsible for France’s voting instructions. He noted that ICJ elections can require several rounds and that circumstances can evolve. Mr Swaray reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to stronger bilateral partnership. He valued the friendship between Presidents Bio and Macron and growing cooperation between both countries. He thanked France for its friendship and consideration.
