Ruto hosts Sierra Leone’s Bio ahead of Africa Forward Summit

Africa, Politics

NAIROBI, Kenya (NPA) — Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto has welcomed Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio to the State House in Nairobi, as the West African leader arrived to participate in the Africa Forward Summit scheduled to begin on May 11, 2026.

Ruto glowingly highlighted the strong ties between Kenya and Sierra Leone, describing them as anchored on “mutual respect, pan‑Africanism and regional stability.” He pledged that both governments would continue to collaborate in advancing shared interests and the broader African agenda.

“This includes championing reform of the international financial architecture, global governance — especially at the United Nations Security Council — and climate action. The summit provides a suitable forum for the exchange of ideas and views on these issues,” Ruto said.

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During the bilateral discussions, Ruto also informed Bio of Kenya’s candidature for a seat on the International Criminal Court (ICC), requesting Sierra Leone’s support for Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung’u.

Meanwhile, before departing for Nairobi, President Bio presided over a symbolic event in Kenema, Sierra Leone, where he broke ground for a state‑of‑the‑art party office for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). The new facility, he said, marks a fresh chapter for the SLPP, which has long been at the forefront of Sierra Leone’s drive toward transformative and sustainable growth.

The Nairobi meeting sets the stage for deeper cooperation between the two nations, while the Africa Forward Summit is expected to provide a platform for leaders to deliberate on reforms in global governance, climate resilience, and Africa’s role in shaping international financial systems.