Lawyers’ Society Calls for Withdrawal of New District and Council Instruments
The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone has urged the Government to suspend and withdraw a number of statutory instruments proposing the creation of new districts, cities, councils and chiefdoms across the country.
The Society said there are concerns over whether the necessary legal and consultative requirements for introducing the proposed administrative structures have been fully met.
According to the lawyers, the statutory instruments would bring significant changes to the country’s existing administrative boundaries and local government arrangements. They maintained that such changes should only proceed after the required consultations and parliamentary procedures have been properly completed.
The Society also questioned the process through which the instruments were introduced, stressing the importance of involving affected communities and other relevant stakeholders before decisions of this nature are implemented.
It further argued that the creation of additional districts, cities and councils could have wider administrative and financial implications for the country.
The Lawyers’ Society is therefore calling for the withdrawal of the instruments while the Government reviews the process and ensures that all legal requirements are satisfied.
The Society’s position adds to the ongoing public discussion surrounding proposed changes to Sierra Leone’s local government and administrative structure.
It said a transparent process, meaningful consultation and strict compliance with the law are necessary to ensure that any new districts, cities or councils are established on a sound legal and administrative basis.
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