Attorney General Explains History and Purpose of Constitutional Review to Citizens

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has clarified that Sierra Leone’s constitutional review process is a long-standing national undertaking spanning multiple administrations, rather than a new political initiative.

Speaking during a civic engagement session at the Kono District Council Hall organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), Sesay emphasized that the review predates the current government. He noted that the process began under former President Ernest Bai Koroma, drawing from key recommendations contained in the 1999 Lomé Peace Agreement and the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

He explained that the Constitutional Review Committee, established in 2013 and chaired by the late Edmond Cowan, conducted nationwide consultations between 2013 and 2017. According to him, the committee received more than 150 position papers and engaged communities across the country. The administration of President Julius Maada Bio, he said, has committed to completing the process to ensure continuity and respect for earlier consultations.

Addressing concerns surrounding aspects of the review including the proportional representation (PR) electoral system the Attorney General assured participants that mechanisms are being considered to preserve a meaningful link between voters and their elected representatives while promoting inclusive public participation.

Sesay also urged citizens to disregard what he described as misinformation circulating on social media, stressing that the constitutional review remains a national commitment rather than a partisan agenda.

Earlier, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor A. Bah, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to keeping citizens informed about ongoing reforms and development programmes. He underscored the importance of civic engagement in strengthening democratic processes.

The engagement brought together government officials, council members, traditional leaders, youth representatives, political parties, civil society organisations, and students. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment aimed at addressing public concerns.

Sesay’s remarks underscore the cross-administration nature of the constitutional review process and the government’s stated commitment to transparency, citizen participation, and national unity as Sierra Leone advances its democratic reform agenda.