Since President Julius Maada Bio assumed office in Sierra Leone, the position of Attorney General and Minister of Justice has become a revolving door, with five individuals appointed to the role: Charles Margai, Dr. Priscilla Schwartz, Anthony Brewah, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalie, and now Alpha Sesay.

This high turnover rate raises a troubling question: why has this office experienced more upheaval than any other in the administration?

Despite the frequent changes, the justice sector remains fraught with challenges. Even when certain reforms have been introduced, their tangible impact has been minimal. Public confidence in the justice system continues to decline, eroding trust in one of the most critical pillars of democracy.

The enactment of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) 2024, for example, was touted as a transformative piece of legislation. Yet, one of its most controversial provisions—the abolition of jury trials—was implemented with little or no public consultation. This lack of transparency not only alienated key stakeholders but also raised serious concerns about the inclusivity and fairness of the legislative process. The decision to abolish jury trials in a society where public participation in the justice system is crucial has sparked heated debates about the potential impact on fair trial rights.

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Meanwhile, systemic issues in the justice sector remain unaddressed. Incidents such as the arbitrary detention of opposition members, the arrest and harassment of lawyers, the fracturing of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, and an Attorney General’s controversial decision to permit police to violate lawyers’ constitutional right to assemble have further tarnished the sector’s credibility. These incidents reflect a justice system under siege, where political interference often trumps the rule of law.

The role of Attorney General and Minister of Justice is uniquely significant. As the government’s chief legal adviser, the Attorney General is tasked with safeguarding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms. Yet, this dual role—where the Attorney General is also a member of the Cabinet—creates a fundamental conflict of interest. Balancing the duties of impartial legal counsel to the state with the responsibilities of a political minister is an almost impossible task, leading to compromises that erode public trust.

Successive Attorneys General, despite their individual credentials and intentions, have struggled to navigate this dual mandate. Political pressure has often turned them into instruments of expediency, prioritizing the interests of the ruling government over those of the public. This structural flaw undermines the office’s ability to function independently and effectively.

If Sierra Leone is to restore integrity to the administration of justice, the structure of the office must be reconsidered. One potential solution is to separate the roles of Attorney General and Minister of Justice. By creating an independent Attorney General who is not a member of the Cabinet, the position could be insulated from political interference. The Minister of Justice, on the other hand, would handle policy and administrative matters within the justice sector, leaving the Attorney General free to focus on legal oversight and upholding the rule of law.

While such a reform would not solve all the challenges facing the justice sector, it would be a critical first step. Ensuring the independence of the Attorney General would strengthen public confidence in the justice system, reaffirm the principle of accountability, and create a buffer against the politicization of justice.

As Alpha Sesay steps into this pivotal role, he carries the weight of public expectation. Can he rise above the systemic flaws of his office and carry out his duties with integrity, impartiality, and a genuine commitment to justice? The people of Sierra Leone deserve an Attorney General who will stand firm against political interference, prioritize the public interest, and champion the rule of law.

The challenges before him are immense, but they are not insurmountable. If he can demonstrate independence and resist the pressures that have plagued his predecessors, Alpha Sesay could break the mould and set a new standard for this critical office. However, for long-term change, systemic reform is essential.

The frequent turnover in the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice underlines a deeper issue within Sierra Leone’s justice system. As it stands, the dual role of Attorney General and Minister of Justice is ill-suited to deliver the impartiality and independence required for justice to thrive. Separating these roles offers a path toward restoring public trust and strengthening the rule of law.

The justice system is the backbone of any democratic society. It is high time Sierra Leone treated it as such. For now, we watch and hope that Alpha Sesay will rise to the occasion. The people of Sierra Leone deserve nothing less than a justice system that works for all, not just the powerful few.