Chernor Bah, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, has disclosed the purpose behind the invitation extended to President Julius Maada Bio by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The Minister clarified that the meeting aimed to address "Sierra Leone's role in ICC affairs and its non-permanent membership status within the United Nations Security Council."
This development follows the emergence of a letter on social media, reportedly dispatched by the International Criminal Court to President Bio. While the precise grounds for the invitation were not explicitly mentioned in the communication, the ICC emphasized the significance of the meeting and expressed optimism regarding its acceptance.
Notably, it remains uncertain whether the ICC prosecutor's invitation is linked to the recent electoral proceedings.
In the aftermath of the presidential elections on June 24, 2023, Sierra Leone has grappled with a fervent political climate triggered by the All People’s Congress (APC) opposition party's decision to abstain from participating in governance. This move was in protest against alleged electoral discrepancies and violations of voting protocols.
The United States, represented by spokesperson Mathew Miller, has also voiced reservations about irregularities detected in the election outcomes announced by Sierra Leone's Electoral Commission (ECSL). In a statement issued on July 24, the department expressed concern about reported instances of threats, including those of a severe nature, directed at both local and international observers, civil society organizations, and members of the election commission.