Honourable Chief Justice, Komba Kamanda
By Emma Black
The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has strongly rejected recent allegations made by the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), describing the organization’s 23 May 2025 press release as “malicious, inaccurate, and unsubstantiated.
While reaffirming its respect for civil society’s role in promoting accountability and transparency, the Judiciary emphasized that criticism must be grounded in factual analysis, credible data, and an understanding of the complex realities of judicial administration.
We categorically oppose CHRDI’s portrayal of the Judiciary as an institution in disrepair,” the statement read, describing the release as a vague and misleading narrative lacking engagement with the Judiciary leadership or evidence-based reporting, the Judiciary described the claims as a deliberate smear campaign targeting the current administration under the leadership of His Lordship, the Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda.
The Judiciary challenged CHRDI’s accusations of widespread corruption, selective justice, and “political interference, stating that such claims require concrete evidence, legal citations, or verification by independent oversight bodies, In the absence of such evidence, these claims are speculative and defamatory, and risk undermining public trust in the justice system, the statement noted.
The Judiciary also highlighted a number of rulings that have held powerful individuals accountable regardless of political affiliation as a testament to its impartiality and independence, contrary to CHRDI’s assertions, the Judiciary detailed a range of reforms implemented since the appointment of Hon Justice Komba Kamanda as Chief Justice to strengthen transparency, accessibility, and institutional integrity:
Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda has introduced the electronic case management systems to reduce case backlogs and delays, centralization of Adoption file assignments under the chief Justice, including a review of adoption orders., restructuring of the Bailiff department to improve execution oversight, establishment of a sexual offences model court in Bo and the country’s first ultra-modern legal library with digital resources.
Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda has introduced the Expansion of Magistrates and Judges to underserved areas, and revival of High Court sittings in Pujehun after two years of inactivity, ongoing legal training for judicial officers in partnership with international institutions, plans to open new courts in June to increase access to justice and expedite case delivery, Regular stakeholder engagement with the media, civil society, and development partners. Consistent delivery of timely judgments across various court levels, these are tangible and verifiable reforms that CHRDI failed to acknowledge, the Judiciary stated.
The Judiciary reiterated its constitutional independence and rejected CHRDI’s suggestion of political interference as baseless, all judicial appointments follow constitutional procedures, and any misconduct is addressed through the Judicial and legal service commission not through the court of public opinion, the statement asserted.
While acknowledging the challenges that persist, the Judiciary underscored its openness to reform and continued accountability through audits, external monitoring, and improved disciplinary systems; we welcome constructive feedback, but it must be informed, respectful, and based on the facts, the Judiciary emphasized; the Judiciary extended an open invitation to CHRDI and other civil society organizations to engage in dialogue, participate in public consultations, and contribute meaningfully to the reform process.
Concluding the statement, the judiciary reaffirmed its dedication to building an institution that is transparent, independent, and respected across the sub-region.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Wednesday, May 28TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
