Attorney General Explains Constitutional Review Process And Calls For National Unity

By Sahr Ibrahim Komba

(232news)

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has called on Sierra Leoneans to embrace national unity and constructive dialogue as the country advances its long-standing constitutional review process.

Speaking during a civic engagement at the Kono District Council Hall, organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), the Attorney General clarified that the constitutional review is a national commitment rather than a new political initiative. He urged citizens to disregard misinformation, especially on social media, stressing that the process predates the current administration.

Minister Sesay recalled that the need for constitutional reform was strongly articulated during the peace process, noting that the 1999 Lomé Peace Agreement and the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) underscored the importance of reforming the 1991 Constitution to strengthen democracy, address governance weaknesses, and prevent a relapse into conflict.

He highlighted the work of the Constitutional Review Committee established in 2013 under former President Ernest Bai Koroma, chaired by the late Edmond Cowan. The committee, he said, conducted nationwide consultations between 2013 and 2017, received over 150 position papers, and held extensive public engagements. Since 2018, President Julius Maada Bio has committed to completing the process.

Addressing concerns around aspects of the review, including the proportional representation (PR) electoral system, the Attorney General assured participants that government is considering mechanisms to preserve a meaningful link between voters and their representatives, while encouraging open and respectful national dialogue.

Earlier, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor A. Bah, reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening civic engagement and ensuring citizens remain informed about national reforms and development programmes.

The engagement, which brought together government officials, council members, traditional leaders, youths, political parties, civil society organisations, and students, concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session.