Ibrahim Jalloh
I am Ibrahim Jalloh, a Sierra Leonean and a Pan-Africanist. Growing up in a country ravaged by civil war, I developed a deep commitment to peace, which inspired me to pursue a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. My academic journey broadened my understanding of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, security sector reforms, and human rights advocacy. However, I realized that education alone is insufficient to address the complexities of post-conflict societies.
To make a tangible impact, I founded the “Elise Boulding Foundation for Peace SL”, an organization dedicated to fostering peace and stability in Sierra Leone. Through this initiative, I have led efforts to mobilize and train youth to become peacebuilders rather than warmakers, focusing on stabilizing violence-prone areas and engaging local communities in non-violent conflict resolution. Alongside this work, I have interned with government agencies such as the Office of National Security and collaborated with NGOs like the Institute for Governance Reforms, supporting the government’s efforts to promote national cohesion by implementing strategic peacebuilding initiatives in marginalized areas of Freetown. I am passionate about addressing security challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in light of the region’s recent political instability, and I remain committed to contributing to long-term peace and development efforts at both grassroots and national levels.
Pursuing a Joint Master’s Degree in African Studies is a natural extension of my vision for a united and prosperous Africa. Africa is undeniably a key player in the 21st-century globalized world, and it is essential to analyze the continent from a holistic perspective. Having lived, experienced, and studied African societies from within, I sought an opportunity to view the continent from an external standpoint, which the “EIMAS” program offered me. Its rich curriculum and cultural immersion provide a unique lens through which I can better understand Africa’s challenges and contribute meaningfully to its development. I believe this holistic view is crucial for diagnosing the issues African societies face and for driving positive change. I am driven by the belief that young Africans must take ownership of their continent’s destiny, and I see myself as part of a generation dedicated to fostering sustainable development and building more bridges from Africa to the rest of the world while forging a just and lasting peace.