By Mohamed Konneh
Alhaji Amadu Brakindo Juldeh Sowe has been elected President – Lamido – of Tabital Pulaaku International (TPI), the global umbrella body for the Fulbe people.
His election was concluded on Saturday, 27th September 2026 at the 2026 General Assembly of TPI held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, Senegambia, The Gambia. The assembly drew delegates from over 33 chapters across Africa, Europe, the Americas and the diaspora. Sowe, who until his election served as President of Tabital Pulaaku Sierra Leone Chapter, was elected after a keenly contested process.
He had officially declared his bid for the global presidency on 29th August 2026 at the TPI Headquarters in Bamako, Mali. His declaration was built on a five-point agenda focused on unity, cultural preservation, global cooperation, transparent leadership, and economic empowerment. In his Bamako speech, he described his candidacy as a call for collective action to unite Pulaaku communities beyond borders, languages and generations, and to preserve the core values of Pulaaku – including munyal (patience), hakille (sense), semteende (reserve), and ndottore (dignity). Tabital Pulaaku International is the largest socio-cultural organization of the Fulbe people, also known as Fula, Fulani or Peulh – an ethnic group of over 40 million people spread across more than 15 countries from Senegal to Sudan. The organization is non-political and works to promote Fulfulde language, cultural heritage, education, peace and development. Sowe’s election is historic for Sierra Leone. It marks the first time in recent years that Sierra Leone has produced the world leader of the global Fulbe community.
Alhaji Sowe is a well-known community leader and entrepreneur in Sierra Leone. As Sierra Leone Chapter President, his leadership was credited with expanding membership, promoting youth education with over 350 university scholarships, and strengthening the chapter’s contribution to national cohesion.
Speaking to journalists shortly after his election, Sowe said his message remains clear: “ONE PEOPLE. ONE IDENTITY. ONE VISION. ONE UNITED FUTURE.”
He pledged to lead with humility, vision and service, stressing that “The journey has begun. The vision is clear. The future is calling. “His campaign slogan, “Leadership for Unity. Vision for Progress. Service to the People,” resonated with many delegates who said the organisation needed renewed commitment, reconciliation and transformation at a time of growing divisions in some chapters.
Analysts say Sowe faces a huge task. TPI has in the past struggled with internal disputes in national chapters, including in Sierra Leone where leadership tussles led to legal actions and warnings from the International Secretariat for groups to desist from undermining social cohesion. Sowe’s ability to reconcile factions will be a key test of his promise of transparent leadership. Supporters in Sierra Leone have welcomed the news. The Tabital Pulaaku Western Area Students had previously honored Sowe with a plaque for his role in youth development, describing his scholarship scheme that has produced over 350 graduates as a major contribution to human capital development.
Sowe is expected to be officially inaugurated in Bamako in the coming weeks, where he will unveil his global executive and roadmap for the next four years. For many Fulbe across the world, his election signals a new chapter – one that seeks to make Pulaaku ideology not just about culture, but about education, economic empowerment and global influence.
