Medical Student Urges Greater Youth Sensitisation on Constitutional Reforms

Public discussion on Sierra Leone’s proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill continues to attract interest among university students, with young people calling for greater public outreach to ensure they remain informed about key legislative changes.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with SKB, Daniel Alieu, a medical student at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), shared his views on the ongoing parliamentary proceedings and the proposed reforms.

Alieu said that although his primary focus is on his medical studies, he makes an effort to follow political discussions and national news to remain informed about important governance issues.

A major focus of the discussion was the proposed provisions on dual citizenship and eligibility to hold key public or parliamentary offices.

Alieu expressed caution about allowing dual citizens to occupy such positions, arguing that national loyalty and long-term commitment should be important considerations for individuals serving in public office.

“Loyalty counts,” Alieu said, stressing that public officials should, in his view, hold sole Sierra Leonean citizenship to demonstrate complete commitment to the country, particularly during challenging periods.

He argued that people with dual citizenship may have the option of relocating to another country, while sole citizens remain fully invested in Sierra Leone’s future because they have no alternative home.

Beyond the constitutional debate, Alieu highlighted the challenges faced by medical and science students in keeping up with parliamentary proceedings, noting that demanding academic schedules often leave students with limited time to follow political debates or study complex legal documents.

He therefore called for targeted civic sensitisation and public awareness campaigns on university campuses before major legislation is finalised.

According to Alieu, such initiatives would make constitutional discussions more accessible and help ensure that students across different academic disciplines are adequately informed and able to participate in important national conversations.