The ECOWAS Court of Justice and Sierra Leone’s Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice launched a pivotal four-day capacity-building initiative for State Attorneys on Monday, 28th July 2025. Hosted at the Sierra Leone Law School within Freetown’s New England Special Court Complex, the training runs until Thursday 31st July 2025, focusing exclusively on enhancing the Civil Division’s expertise in the rules, practices, and procedures of the regional court.
Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Vice President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, opened proceedings by commending Sierra Leone’s consistent commitment to its regional legal obligations. He revealed the Court’s prompt positive response to the Attorney General’s request for training support, viewing it as tangible proof of the nation’s dedication to the revised ECOWAS Treaty. “It is with great pleasure that we designed this program to meet Sierra Leone’s objectives and forge networks strengthening ties between the Court and the Republic,” Justice Koroma stated.
Reflecting on his dual role as the first Sierra Leonean Vice President of the Court, Justice Koroma acknowledged initial logistical concerns but praised the “strong cooperation and support” from the Attorney General, his deputy, and the Director of Public Prosecutions that alleviated them. He emphasized the timeliness of enhancing the capacity of State Attorneys, noting Sierra Leone’s regular engagement with the ECOWAS Court on diverse matters. Justice Koroma urged participants to deepen their understanding of the Court’s expanding jurisprudence and establish effective communication channels, highlighting that while the Court’s website details its work, “engagements like this truly embody the spirit of the Community Court.” He concluded by extending gratitude on behalf of the ECOWAS Court President and delegation for Sierra Leone’s hospitality and commitment.
Director of Public Prosecutions Osman Ibrahim Kanu Esq. welcomed the delegation, stressing the training’s critical importance given the ECOWAS Court’s significantly expanded mandate. He noted its evolution from resolving trade disputes to adjudicating human rights violations by states. “Human rights issues now cut across every aspect of daily life, granting the Court jurisdiction over nearly all state responsibilities. As State Attorneys often defending the state in these matters, being well-equipped is crucial,” the DPP asserted. He explained the training would empower Attorneys to defend the state effectively and proactively advise government institutions to prevent violations. “Many ECOWAS Court cases target member states. We must fully understand this legal landscape to defend Sierra Leone and avert potential litigation,” Kanu added, expressing appreciation for Sierra Leone’s inclusion in this regional initiative.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay underscored the vital role of strategic litigation and human rights awareness in fortifying Sierra Leone’s justice system. He thanked the ECOWAS Court for prioritizing capacity-building in Sierra Leone, marking its President’s second visit. Sesay echoed the DPP on the Court’s widened jurisdiction: “From trade disputes, it now addresses human rights issues permeating daily life, making this training essential for us as frequent defendants.” Drawing on unique personal experience, the Attorney General shared, “I’ve been on both sides. Before my appointment, I filed cases before the ECOWAS Court. Now, I work with colleagues to defend the state.”
Sesay highlighted the concept of “winning outside the courtroom,” explaining that even unfavorable rulings can drive justice reform through Court directives. “We are committed to robustly defending the state while addressing underlying issues raised in cases,” he affirmed. “Our ultimate goal is ensuring citizens access justice domestically, eliminating the need for ECOWAS Court recourse.” The Attorney General positioned this training within a broader vision: “We are investing long-term in our legal workforce. We aim for State Counsel to enter any courtroom fully prepared, confident, and equipped to represent Sierra Leone with unwavering integrity and professionalism.”