Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh addressed the National Council of Critical Chiefs Conference on Security and Governance on Friday, July 31, 2026, in Bo City, Sierra Leone. The Vice President joined traditional leaders and senior government officials on the second day of the conference, held at the Bo-Kenema Highway Hall, to discuss "Strengthening Chieftaincy for National Security and Governance" as the nation approaches the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections. This significant gathering provided a platform for high-level discussions on the critical role of traditional authorities in the nation's progress and stability.
"Today, I joined Critical Chiefs from across Sierra Leone on Day 2 of the National Council of Critical Chiefs Conference on Security and Governance, where we reaffirmed the indispensable role of traditional leaders in promoting peace, strengthening security and driving development," Dr. Jalloh stated. The conference brought together Critical Chiefs from across Sierra Leone, senior Government officials, traditional leaders, security representatives, and other stakeholders, fostering a full dialogue on pressing national issues. Discussions focused on peace, national unity, security, local governance, and development, as well as the need to strengthen cooperation among traditional authorities, government institutions, local councils, and the security sector. Dr. Jalloh emphasized the chiefs' responsibilities, stating, "Critical Chiefs are the custodians of peace and security in their chiefdoms, so they have to take security issues very seriously." He also noted, "Development is not only about what Government is doing. There are also private-sector actors and investors coming into chiefdoms, and Critical Chiefs have a responsibility to support and advance these programmes." Dr. Jalloh concluded, "The Critical Chiefs are direct representatives of their communities and key partners in ensuring that development reaches the people."
Chieftaincy's Enduring Role
The chieftaincy institution has remained central to Sierra Leone’s governance structure, enduring through decades of constitutional, political, and administrative reforms. This enduring presence shows its foundational importance to the fabric of Sierra Leonean society and its administrative framework. Historically, Critical Chiefs have played a significant role in customary land administration, dispute resolution, community mobilization, public safety, and the maintenance of law and order. Their involvement in these critical areas has ensured local stability and effective community management for generations. Successive governments have relied on traditional authorities to support national programs, including public health campaigns, civil registration, agricultural development, education, disaster response, and peacebuilding efforts. The chiefs' deep roots in their communities make them invaluable partners in disseminating information and implementing initiatives at the grassroots level.
Even after the restoration of elected local councils under the Local Government Act of 2004, Critical Chiefs have remained central to local governance. They complement the councils in delivering public services and mobilizing communities across the country, bridging the gap between formal government structures and local populations. The chieftaincy institution also holds formal representation within Sierra Leone’s Parliament, showing its institutional significance and providing a direct voice for traditional concerns at the national legislative level. The influence of traditional leaders was particularly important during Sierra Leone’s post-war reconstruction following the end of the civil conflict in 2002, where their role in community cohesion and stability was critical. Their efforts in reconciliation and rebuilding social trust were instrumental in the nation's recovery.
Critical Chiefs' Key Functions
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh stated that Critical Chiefs serve as the custodians of peace and security within their chiefdoms. He emphasized this role, asserting, "Critical Chiefs are the custodians of peace and security in their chiefdoms, so they have to take security issues very seriously." Dr. Jalloh also noted the significant role of traditional leaders in supporting government development programs and fostering an environment conducive to responsible private-sector investment. This includes their capacity to mediate disputes and ensure a stable environment for economic activities.
Critical Chiefs are considered important partners in improving service delivery, mobilizing local revenue, supporting investment, and promoting community development. Their close connection to their constituents positions them effectively to identify local priorities. This proximity allows them to mobilize residents and support the implementation and monitoring of various development projects within their respective areas. Traditional leaders are closely connected to their people and are therefore well positioned to identify local priorities, mobilize residents, and support the implementation and monitoring of development projects. This intimate understanding of community needs ensures that development efforts are both relevant and effective.
The Vice President stressed the necessity of effective coordination between traditional authorities and elected local councils. He explained that such collaboration is essential to prevent duplication of efforts, resolve administrative challenges, and ensure that government programs are responsive to the specific needs of communities across Sierra Leone. This integrated approach aims to maximize efficiency and impact in public service provision.
Vision for Inclusive Development
Sustainable development in Sierra Leone requires cooperation among the Government, traditional authorities, businesses, investors, and local communities, according to Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. He emphasized the importance of collaboration across these sectors to achieve national development goals, recognizing that no single entity can drive progress alone. Dr. Jalloh also stressed that such interactions among traditional leaders themselves contribute to national unity. "When Critical Chiefs from Falaba can meet with Critical Chiefs from Kono, sit together, share experiences and understand each other, it promotes unity and national cohesion," Dr. Jalloh stated, noting the role of inter-chiefdom dialogue in fostering a cohesive national identity. These dialogues are vital for building bridges between different regions and ethnic groups.
Dr. Jalloh serves as the Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralization and Local Governance. In this capacity, he oversees efforts to strengthen local administration and ensure that governance structures are responsive to community needs. His leadership in this committee shows the government's commitment to integrating local and traditional authorities into national development strategies, ensuring that decisions made at the national level are informed by and beneficial to local populations. The government’s continued engagement with Critical Chiefs through such forums demonstrates a clear recognition of their irreplaceable role in fostering peace, security, and sustainable development throughout Sierra Leone. As the nation moves towards the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections, the stability and unity championed by these traditional leaders will be more key than ever.