Attorney-General’s Office Leads Stakeholder Dialogue on AI to Strengthen Justice Delivery in Sierra Leone
Alusine Ahmed Kargbo The Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, in collaboration with UNESCO and the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, has convened a high-level Post-Conference Mixer on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Justice and the Rule of Law, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day for Universal Access to Information.
The engagement brought together key actors within the justice sector, including judges, legal practitioners, government officials and civil society representatives, to examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in improving the efficiency and accessibility of justice delivery systems in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of the justice sector leadership, the Deputy Minister of Justice, Ms. Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh, encouraged stakeholders to embrace the opportunities presented by emerging technologies. She stressed that AI should be adopted responsibly, ethically, and as a practical tool for addressing long-standing challenges within the justice system.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda underscored the importance of aligning Sierra Leone’s judiciary with ongoing national digital transformation efforts. He highlighted the need for the justice system to remain adaptive while safeguarding legal integrity and public trust.
Representing UNESCO, Guilherme Canela emphasized the centrality of human rights, transparency and open justice in the deployment of artificial intelligence. He referenced UNESCO’s Guidelines for the Use of AI Systems in Courts and Tribunals, noting their relevance in ensuring that technological adoption within the justice sector remains accountable and rights-based.
Discussions during the engagement identified key opportunities for strengthening judicial processes, particularly through the introduction of e-filing systems and digital case management platforms. However, participants also noted the importance of addressing institutional readiness gaps to ensure effective and sustainable implementation.
With technical support from UNESCO, the Judiciary and the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice are expected to work jointly towards the development of a national artificial intelligence roadmap for the justice sector.
The Office reaffirmed its position that artificial intelligence must be deployed as a tool to serve citizens, expand access to justice, and reinforce the rule of law. It further emphasized that any adoption of AI must remain responsible, transparent, and firmly grounded in human rights principles and the values of justice.