By Emma Black
Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., on Monday, 26 January 2026bled the first pre-legislative engagement on the proposed Constitutional Amendments Bill, setting out the background, scope, and objectives of the country’s ongoing constitutional review process.
Addressing Members of Parliament and members of the public at Tower Hill, the Attorney General explained that the proposed 2026 Constitutional Amendments Bill has its foundations in the Lomé Peace Accord Ratification Act of 1999 and the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). He emphasized that the review process is intended to ensure that Sierra Leone’s Constitution reflects the aspirations, democratic values, and evolving needs of the people.
Providing historical context, Mr. Sesay recalled that the constitutional review process was first formally initiated by the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah through the establishment of the Peter Tucker Constitutional Review Committee, whose work culminated in a White Paper. He noted that the process was later advanced under former President Ernest Bai Koroma, including the work of the Justice Cowan Constitutional Review Committee (2013–2017) and its accompanying White Paper.
According to the Attorney General, upon assuming office, President Julius Maada Bio presented an additional White Paper in 2021 to further consolidate reform efforts. He clarified that the current Constitutional Amendments Bill draws substantially from the Justice Cowan Committee’s recommendations, alongside inputs from the Tripartite Committee, forming the basis of the proposals now before Parliament.
The Clerk of Parliament assured lawmakers and the public that all parliamentary procedures and constitutional requirements would be strictly adhered to throughout the legislative consideration of the Bill.
During the engagement, Minority Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo stated that the All People’s Congress (APC) would remain committed to the process but cautioned that the party would not hesitate to withdraw should due process and established parliamentary procedures be undermined.
On his part, Majority Leader Hon. Matthew Nyuma expressed optimism that the process would lead to broad consensus, stressing the importance of inclusive participation and national ownership of any constitutional reforms.
Speaking from a civil society perspective, Madam Basita Michael described the engagement as unexpectedly encouraging. She noted that the Attorney General openly acknowledged that the proposed Bill could be improved through consultation and dialogue. “Today’s engagement offers cautious but genuine hope that the Constitution can be shaped for Sierra Leone, not for any single political party,” she remarked.
The pre-legislative session was characterized by detailed explanations, frank exchanges, and active participation. It concluded with sustained applause for the Attorney General’s presentation, reflecting a generally positive reception and renewed public interest in the constitutional reform process.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 28th January 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
