Sierra Leone has ratified the African Road Safety Charter, becoming the 14th African Union (AU) member state to do so.

The instrument of ratification was deposited in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation Rex Bhonapha and Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) Secretary and Board Abu-bakarr Sheriff.

Following the ceremony, SLRSA Executive Director James Baggie Bio said the Authority is fully prepared to implement the Charter’s provisions once it enters into force after the 15th ratification.

“Being the lead road safety agency in Sierra Leone, we are poised for the Charter to enter into force,” Bio said Monday in Freetown. “The SLRSA stands ready under my leadership and with the support of my team to implement its provisions.”

The Charter provides a continental policy framework to reduce road traffic crashes, support the development of national road safety policies, and foster collaboration among governments, civil society and the private sector.

Bhonapha described Sierra Leone’s ratification as “a promise fulfilled,” crediting the swift process to the political will of President Julius Bio and the support of Parliament.

He pledged continued cooperation with the AU Commission and urged other member states to accelerate ratification.

Dr. Kamugisha Kazaura, AU director of infrastructure and energy, congratulated Sierra Leone on the move, noting it brings the Charter one step away from entering into force.

“By taking this decisive step, Sierra Leone has demonstrated leadership and commitment to safeguarding the lives of its citizens, and to advancing the continental road safety agenda,” Kazaura said.

He added that road crashes remain one of the leading causes of death in Africa, particularly among young people, and said the Charter offers a shared framework for stronger institutions, harmonized policies and accountability.