President Julius Maada Bio pledges 2028 power transfer and calls for educational access

Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio has addressed both domestic political stability and international resource negotiations during a visit to the Harvard Kennedy School.

Regarding domestic politics, President Bio pledged to respect constitutional limits and ensure a peaceful transfer of power following the end of his second term in 2028. His statement aims to dispel rumors of a potential term extension and reassure citizens and international observers of his commitment to the democratic electoral calendar.

On the international stage, Bio addressed ongoing negotiations between Sierra Leone and the United States concerning a Critical Minerals Agreement. He argued that while mineral wealth is a focus of global interest, human capital is Africa’s most vital asset. Bio criticized the contradiction of developed nations seeking access to African resources while simultaneously imposing barriers to educational opportunities for African students, stating that true partnership requires shared access to knowledge and education.