Sierra Leone’s justice sector is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, with bold legal reforms, groundbreaking digital initiatives, and strengthened institutional partnerships reshaping how justice is delivered across the country. The second quarter of 2025 has seen landmark developments aimed at modernizing the legal system, improving access to justice, and reinforcing accountability.
On June 10, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq. presented the Criminal Procedure Act (Commencement) Regulations, 2025 to Parliament. The move paves the way for the Criminal Procedures Act, 2024 to take effect on September 16, replacing the colonial-era 1965 legislation. The new law introduces a rights-based framework designed to accelerate trials, reduce prolonged pre-trial detentions, and offer alternative sentencing for minor offences—measures aimed at easing prison overcrowding without compromising public safety.
The Attorney-General also spearheaded the launch of Sierra Leone’s first E-Justice Blueprint on March 24, in partnership with the Canadian Academic and Industrial Network (CAAINE). As part of the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project, the initiative seeks to bridge operational gaps in the judicial sector, streamline case management, enhance transparency, and ensure equitable access to legal services nationwide. Stakeholders have begun designing the e-Justice system, with the project’s initial framework expected within three months.
In April, the Justice Sector Coordination Office, working with The Carter Center, hosted a high-level review of the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, 2022. Seventeen justice institutions are integrating gender-sensitive practices, with particular focus on improving responses to sexual and gender-based violence and embedding human rights protections into judicial processes.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), collaborating with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), conducted a four-day Corruption Risk Management training for national institutions, including the National Revenue Authority and the Financial Intelligence Agency. The program equips officials with the skills to proactively detect and address systemic weaknesses, shifting anti-corruption efforts from reactive enforcement to preventive action.
Security sector collaboration also intensified, with the Office of National Security coordinating discussions on persistent border infractions with Guinea and leading a mediation mission to resolve tensions between cattle herders and crop farmers in Morifindugu Chiefdom, Falaba District.
Judicial leadership reforms have also drawn international praise. Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Wang Qing commended Chief Justice Komba Kamanda for implementing significant structural changes within just 200 days of assuming office. These include restructuring the Bailiffs Department, expanding court sittings to underserved districts, and strengthening adoption order procedures.
In the area of legal aid, the Legal Aid Board marked its 10th anniversary, celebrating service to nearly five million citizens, many of whom were long-detained without trial. The Board, supported by UNICEF, also conducted refresher training to strengthen services for children in contact with the law.
The Office of the Administrator and Registrar General commemorated World Intellectual Property Day under the theme “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP,” with a renewed focus on protecting and monetizing the creative works of Sierra Leone’s artists.
The Sierra Leone Correctional Service demonstrated its commitment to rehabilitation and national development by expanding large-scale agricultural projects at the Mafanta Correctional Centre, and facilitating the graduation of 39 inmates from the University of Makeni in vocational and entrepreneurship programs.
The Public Sector Reform Unit launched a management review of key Election Management Bodies, while the Ombudsman’s Office gained recognition for advancing access to justice through proposed amendments to the Ombudsman Act to better address administrative injustice.
In infrastructure, the Sierra Leone Law School has begun construction of an ultramodern academic complex, funded primarily through student fees, to provide a permanent home for legal education. Meanwhile, the Law Reform Commission continues its review of outdated statutes, introducing a Mediation Bill, drafting new partnership laws, and proposing “no-fault” divorce reforms, among other legislative modernization efforts.
Institutional strengthening extended to the Independent Police Complaints Board, which met with the Minister of Internal Affairs to push forward its transition into a fully empowered Independent Policing Oversight Commission. The Sierra Leone Police also deepened diplomatic cooperation with Saudi Arabia and expanded medical services through a partnership with Spain’s Surgeon in Action Foundation, which provided free surgeries and donated advanced medical equipment.
Collectively, these reforms and initiatives reflect a justice sector in rapid evolution—embracing technology, reinforcing human rights, and fostering inclusive development. With strong leadership from the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, and partner institutions, Sierra Leone is setting a new benchmark for justice delivery in West Africa, with the promise of a system that is fair, transparent, and accessible to all.