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The Judiciary of Sierra Leone, in partnership with Pepperdine University in the United States, on Monday, May 4 2026, commenced a three-day training for Judges and Magistrates on Foundational Commercial Mediation at the Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, scheduled to end on Wednesday, May 6 2026.
Opening the program, the Hon. Chief Justice Komba Kamanda said the training marks a significant milestone in his ongoing efforts to strengthen the administration of justice and to promote efficient, accessible, and responsive dispute resolution mechanisms within our jurisdiction.
The Hon. Chief Justice noted that the Judiciary stands at a critical juncture where the demands of modern commerce and the expectations of justice require us to embrace innovation while preserving the core values of fairness, impartiality, and integrity. Commercial disputes, according to the Hon. Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, demand timely resolution, technical understanding, and, increasingly, flexible approaches that go beyond the traditional adversarial system.
It is in this context that mediation emerges as a vital complement to litigation. Mediation offers parties the opportunity to resolve their disputes amicably, preserve business relationships, reduce costs, and decongest our courts. As judicial officers, your role in supporting and, where appropriate, facilitating mediation is indispensable to the success of this process.
He noted that the training is a practical investment in enhancing the capacity of judges and magistrates to guide litigants toward effective dispute resolution.
“This training will equip you with the foundational principles, techniques, and ethical considerations necessary to engage with commercial mediation confidently and competently”. Hon. Chief Justice Kamanda said.
He urged all participants to approach this training with diligence, openness, and willingness to learn. The knowledge and skills they will acquire here will have a lasting impact not only on their professional development but also on the broader justice delivery system.
He encouraged participants to seize this opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to judicial excellence and to the continuous improvement of our legal processes. Together, we can build a Judiciary that meets the evolving needs of our society and inspires public confidence”. Hon. Chief Justice said.
He commended partners and facilitators from Pepperdine University for their commitment to this noble cause. Their expertise and support, according to the CJ, reflect a shared vision of a system that is not only just but also efficient and accessible to all.
One of the facilitators, John Napier Esq, who doubles as Adjunct Professor at Straus Institute, Pepperdine University and Director of Global ADR Training, Straus Institute for Disputes Resolution, said the actualisation of the training was based on a noble appeal made by the Hon. Chief Justice, who is also a member of the Chief Justices Alternative.
Dispute Resolution Forum, expressing his deepest desires for his judges and magistrates to be trained on commercial mediation as a means of alternative dispute resolution.
He said the essence of the training is to support and partner with the Judiciary of Sierra Leone in ensuring the expansion of commercial mediation as a method of dispute resolution.
Participants were welcomed by the Hon. Justice Fatmatta Alhadi (JSC), and she introduced the program.
