SLAJ Welcomes Supreme Court Referral on Constitutional Amendment Dispute

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has welcomed the Speaker of Parliament’s decision to refer a constitutional question arising from the passage of the 2025 Constitutional Amendment Bill to the Supreme Court.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, SLAJ said the disputed parliamentary proceedings, particularly over the required two-thirds majority for constitutional amendments, had generated significant public debate and uncertainty.

The association urged political actors, institutions and citizens to respect the Supreme Court’s eventual determination and called for restraint to prevent actions or statements that could heighten political tensions.

SLAJ said constitutional disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and lawful processes, stressing that reforms of national importance should command broad public understanding, confidence and participation.

The association also commended Sierra Leone’s media for extensively covering the parliamentary process and reaffirmed its commitment to accurate, fair and professional reporting.

SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara said constitutional reform should go beyond political competition, stressing that any changes must strengthen Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions, rights and principles while serving the national interest.