Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. As political discussions intensify over Sierra Leone’s next presidential election, veteran journalist and politician Ibrahim Ben Kargbo has highlighted Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh as a leading candidate, citing his academic credentials, administrative experience, and loyalty to the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
In an effort to provide a balanced journalistic assessment, Kargbo has identified three leading politicians within the SLPP and three within the APC who he deems to be “Presidential materials.”
Kargbo initiated his assessment by focusing on the current Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, noting his constitutional proximity to the highest office. Historically, no Vice President in Sierra Leone has succeeded an incumbent President, a “myth” that Dr. Jalloh is now in a position to potentially break.
According to Kargbo, Dr. Jalloh possesses impressive academic credentials, which he believes are essential for leadership in a modern state. Dr. Jalloh holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone; a Master of Science from Ibadan University, Nigeria; and a Ph.D. from the University of Bordeaux, France. Kargbo highlighted that Dr. Jalloh’s Ph.D. was earned through rigorous research and academic dedication, setting him apart from many African leaders who may only hold honorary doctorates.
Beyond academic prowess, Kargbo underscored the significance of administrative experience. Dr. Jalloh’s extensive background in international administration includes serving as a Senior Political Officer for the United Nations multi-national mission in Mali, and later as the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for West Africa and Sahel. He also gained electoral administration experience as a UN election officer in Kosovo during challenging times and was recognized by the UN for his expertise in promoting good governance.
Kargbo asserted that this wealth of experience proved invaluable in Dr. Jalloh’s role as Vice President, particularly in handling sensitive government matters. “Of all the contenders for the Presidency, he is the only politician who, apart from President Bio, has actually performed Presidential duties, having acted as President close to forty times without negative repercussions,” Kargbo stated. He specifically cited Dr. Jalloh’s successful mobilization of security services to restore normalcy during the August 10 crisis while acting as President.
Among Dr. Jalloh’s notable achievements as Vice President, Kargbo credited him for leading the MCC Compact Development Unit, which secured a nearly $400,000 grant for Sierra Leone, despite its temporary suspension.
Kargbo concluded that Dr. Jalloh’s academic qualifications and extensive experience make him a strong contender for the presidency, urging the SLPP to consider him as a potent flag bearer.
Regarding Dr. Jalloh’s character and ability to foster peace and reconciliation, Kargbo described him as “the poor man’s friend” in his native Lokomasama Chiefdom in Port Loko District. He also noted Dr. Jalloh’s ties to Kono, where he spent his youth, and his schooling in Freetown, contributing to his “Sierra Leonean through and through” identity. Dr. Jalloh is also multilingual, fluent in French, English, Temne, and his native Fullah.
Kargbo described Dr. Jalloh as a highly respected family man with a “very polite” and dedicated wife.
Addressing Dr. Jalloh’s standing within the SLPP, Kargbo reported that many party members hold him in high esteem due to his demonstrated loyalty to the party and diligent service to President Julius Maada Bio, suggesting he is a strong candidate for future party leadership.
In his concluding remarks, Ibrahim Ben Kargbo emphasized the growing importance of experience in modern leadership, advocating for the mentorship of young potential leaders. He asserted that “very few can equal Dr. Juldeh Jalloh” in terms of experience, giving him a significant chance of becoming Sierra Leone’s next President.
Dr. Jalloh, according to Kargbo, has expressed appreciation for the SLPP’s opportunity to serve his country and the support received from President Bio and other government members. An unnamed experienced SLPP member reportedly stated, “The clear reason why I would support Dr. Juldeh Jalloh in any campaign for the leadership of the SLPP is because he possesses the great potential to unify this country and at the same time keep our party, the SLPP, intact.”
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