1 Comment 
The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Monday, 26 January 2026, held a public stakeholder consultation on the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill, bringing together Members of Parliament and key stakeholders from across the political divide, including representatives of civil society.
The consultation was convened to gather views and comments on the bill, which seeks to amend selected provisions of Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution. Lawmakers said the exercise forms part of Parliament’s effort to ensure broad participation in the constitutional reform process.
Speaking at the opening session, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, welcomed the consultation, describing it as a necessary step because of the importance of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
He cautioned Members of Parliament against micromanaging the process, stressing that any constitutional amendment must strictly adhere to established procedures.
Hon. Kargbo warned that attempts to bypass constitutional requirements, whether intentional or not, could amount to treason. While reaffirming the All People’s Congress (APC) party’s readiness to engage constructively, he said the opposition would not compromise on defending constitutional processes.
“We will be very strict and unapologetic in ensuring that processes and procedures are followed,” Hon. Kargbo said. “We will fully support the process if it is done in compliance with the Constitution.”
Leader of Government Business, Hon. Sahr Matthew Nyuma, said the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government has demonstrated its commitment to progressive legislation over the years.
He referenced laws such as the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act of 2019, the repeal of criminal libel laws in 2020, and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act.
“Our similarities are far greater than our differences,” Hon. Nyuma said, urging lawmakers to approach the constitutional amendment process with unity and a shared national purpose.
Also speaking at the consultation, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, assured stakeholders that the government remains open to inclusive and broad-based engagement.
He emphasized President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to bringing the constitutional review process to a conclusion after more than two decades.
Mr. Sesay explained that the provisions contained in the bill are largely drawn from the reports of the Constitutional Review Committee chaired by the late Justice Cowan and the Tripartite Committee, noting that government has made modifications to some recommendations.
“If anyone tells you that the provisions in this bill are the sole creation of government, they have lied to you,” the Attorney-General said. He added that constitutions are meant to stand the test of time and must reflect the collective will and aspirations of the people of Sierra Leone.
The consultation is expected to inform parliamentary debate on the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill as the process moves forward.
This proposed bill does nothing for the people. It’s mainly about satisfying the requirements of the MCC while ensuring the incumbent continues to maintain its grip on power. Sadly it’s about which electoral process can keep a political party in power. Give us the “real constitutional review.” A complete overhaul of the 1991 Constitution. We’ve been waiting for over 2 decades now.