By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Monday, January 26, 2026, convened a pre-legislative engagement on the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill, which seeks to amend the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone and address related matters.
Leading the engagement, Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, outlined the origins, scope and intent of the ongoing constitutional review process. Addressing Members of Parliament, stakeholders and the public, he explained that the proposed amendments trace their roots to the Lomé Peace Accord Ratification Act of 1999 and the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), with the overarching aim of aligning the Constitution more closely with the evolving aspirations of the Sierra Leonean people.
Providing historical context, Alpha Sesay recalled that the late President, Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, initiated the constitutional review through the Peter Tucker Constitutional Review Committee, which produced a White Paper. Subsequent reviews were undertaken under former President Ernest Bai Koroma, including the Justice Cowan Constitutional Review Committee (2013–2017) and its accompanying White Paper. Upon assuming office, President Julius Maada Bio further advanced the process by presenting an additional White Paper in 2021. The Attorney General clarified that the current Bill draws substantially from the Justice Cowan process, complemented by inputs from the Tripartite Committee.
Welcoming Members of Parliament and distinguished guests, the Clerk of Parliament, Karmoh K. Conteh, assured the nation that due process would be strictly observed throughout the legislative consideration of the Bill. He outlined the various stages and procedures required for the enactment of legislation, emphasizing Parliament’s commitment to transparency and fairness.
The Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh, commended the Attorney General for his detailed presentation and provided Members with a clear overview of the legislative process and the merits of the proposed Bill.
Contributing to the debate, the Leader of the Opposition and Minority Leader, Abdul Kargbo, described the pre-legislative engagement as one of the most important legislative tools of the Fifth and Sixth Parliaments. He cautioned against any attempt to sidestep due process, noting that constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority of Members of Parliament. He further claimed that several recommendations emerging from the Tripartite Committee had been excluded and called for greater accommodation of stakeholder inputs, warning that his party would withdraw from the process if procedures were disregarded. He, however, assured the Government of the opposition’s full cooperation should due process be upheld.
On his part, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Matthew Sahr Nyuma, expressed confidence in Parliament’s record of enacting progressive legislation through diligent procedures. He noted that the proposed amendments represent a Government proposal that Parliament would critically examine, assuring the public of continued consultations to accommodate divergent views.
In a PowerPoint presentation, the Attorney General reiterated that the proposed amendments are drawn from the Justice Cowan Report and the Tripartite recommendations, particularly those directly related to constitutional provisions. He emphasized the Government’s openness to public input, stating that the Bill has generated significant national interest and that reforms under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership are aimed at empowering and protecting citizens.
During the question-and-comment session, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders raised concerns and sought clarifications on specific provisions of the proposed amendments, reflecting robust engagement.
Civil society representative, Basita Michael, later described the session as unexpectedly encouraging, noting the Attorney General’s acknowledgment that the Bill could, and should, be improved. She observed that the engagement offered “cautious but genuine hope that the Constitution can be shaped for Sierra Leone, not for any single political party.”
The pre-legislative session concluded with widespread applause for the Attorney General’s presentation, signaling a generally positive reception and setting the stage for further consultations as Parliament proceeds with consideration of the Constitutional Amendment Bill.
