By Josephine Sesay

The Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) has called on national leaders and stakeholders to place peace and national stability above constitutional considerations, warning that no constitutional process can succeed in an atmosphere of conflict and instability.

Speaking on Wake Up Sierra Leone, Sheikh Ibrahim Barrie, Executive Member of the IRCSL, said the Constitution remains a fundamental instrument for governance, but stressed that peace must serve as the foundation for any constitutional process.

“The Constitution is important, but the peace of the country is more important.

You cannot implement a Constitution in a country that is not peaceful. That is why we issued a press release on this constitutional review process.”

Sheikh Barrie’s remarks come amid ongoing national discussions over Sierra Leone’s constitutional review process, which has generated interest among political actors, civil society organisations, religious leaders and members of the public.

The IRCSL is urging all stakeholders involved in the process to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue, tolerance and national unity.

The Council believes that disagreements over constitutional issues should be addressed through peaceful engagement rather than confrontation.

The Council’s intervention also highlights the important role of religious leaders in promoting peace and encouraging constructive dialogue on matters of national importance.

With religious institutions having a significant influence in communities across Sierra Leone, the IRCSL continues to advocate for peaceful approaches to national issues.

According to the Council, constitutional reforms should not become a source of division among citizens. Instead, the process should promote inclusivity and strengthen public confidence in the country’s democratic and governance institutions.

The IRCSL’s position underscores the view that constitutional provisions and reforms can only have their intended impact when citizens are able to live in an environment of peace, security and stability.

As national discussions continue, the Council is calling on political leaders, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, religious institutions and ordinary citizens to contribute responsibly to the constitutional review process.

For the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, the message remains clear: while the Constitution is essential to the country’s governance, preserving peace and national unity must remain the priority.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 26th August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)