Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, an academic and peacebuilding expert with international experience, is gaining prominence within the All People’s Congress (APC) as discussions intensify over the party’s future leadership.
Dr. Bangura, an Associate Professor in the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, also serves as a senior partner at Transition International in the Netherlands. His career spans more than 18 years of work in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, transitional justice, and socio-economic reintegration across countries such as South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, and Nigeria.
Academic and Professional Profile
Dr. Bangura holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History, master’s degrees in Gender Studies and International Development, and a doctorate in Economics from the Leipzig Graduate School of Management in Germany. In 2024, he was selected as an Afox Fellow at the University of Oxford.
He is also a facilitator at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Ghana and has served as a Result-Oriented Monitoring (ROM) consultant for European Union-funded projects in more than 30 African countries.
Political Aspirations
Within Sierra Leone, Dr. Bangura has become increasingly visible in APC activities. During Ramadan, he led a food distribution initiative in Kambia Town, highlighting his focus on grassroots engagement and community support.
Supporters describe his leadership style as collaborative and forward-looking, grounded in ethical values and committed to unity, stability, and economic development. His vision for Sierra Leone emphasizes youth empowerment, education, inclusive progress, and national prosperity.
Growing Recognition
As the APC considers its next steps in preparation for upcoming elections, political observers note that Dr. Bangura’s mix of academic expertise, international experience, and grassroots outreach positions him as a notable contender for higher office.
While his candidacy has yet to be officially declared by the party, discussions within APC circles suggest that his name is being increasingly associated with the role of flag bearer. If confirmed, Dr. Bangura could represent a new generation of leadership within one of Sierra Leone’s most influential political parties.
By Feima Sesay
