President Bio Addresses Constitutional Review Process in Sierra Leone

President Julius Maada Bio on Thursday delivered a significant address at the Special Presidential DEPAC Meeting concerning the Constitutional Review Process.

The gathering, held in Freetown on Thursday, April 11th, 2024, saw the attendance of esteemed dignitaries including the Honorable Vice President, the Acting Chief Justice, members of the cabinet, Excellencies, ambassadors, representatives from development partners, and distinguished guests.

In his address, President Bio underscored the historical significance of the ongoing Constitutional Review Process, which has been a collective endeavor spanning nearly two decades. He emphasized that this process is not merely a revision of legal documentation but a transformative journey aimed at reshaping the future of Sierra Leone. The President stressed the importance of ensuring inclusivity and responsiveness to the evolving needs of society, ensuring that the Constitution remains a dynamic reflection of the nation’s values and aspirations.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s journey since the adoption of the current Constitution, President Bio highlighted the imperatives for a comprehensive review, acknowledging the imperfections inherent in any document and the evolving nature of societal needs.

President Bio reiterated his unwavering commitment to concluding the Constitutional Review Process, a pledge he made during his candidacy for the presidency in 2018. He recalled the genesis of this process, stemming from the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) following the civil war, and affirmed his administration’s dedication to fulfilling this mandate.

The President recounted the milestones achieved in the Review Process, including the issuance of a White Paper in 2022, which approved and accepted a significant number of recommendations put forth by the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC). These recommendations will soon be tabled before Parliament as constitutional instruments for revising the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.

President Bio also highlighted key reforms and laws already advanced as part of the Review Process, such as media law reforms, abolition of the death penalty, land law reforms, and initiatives promoting education and gender equality.

Moving forward, President Bio outlined the next steps in the Review Process, emphasizing the importance of inclusive participation and public awareness. He stressed the need for national ownership of the process and called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to bring it to fruition.

In conclusion, President Bio urged all involved to approach this task with diligence, integrity, and patriotism, recognizing the profound impact that decisions made today will have on the future of Sierra Leone. He expressed his vision for leaving behind a legacy of laws that will enhance the country’s democratic future.

As the nation embarks on this pivotal phase of the Constitutional Review Process, President Bio invoked the blessings of God upon Sierra Leone, urging all citizens to work together in building a stronger and more prosperous nation that embodies the aspirations of its people.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

Eddie | 2024-04-12 10:22:53

Wow Sierra Leone, why the country has reached this point. Bio continues to implicate in himself in a treasonous mis-conduct on a daily basis. What you mean Bio, reviewing the country’s constitution in a shrouded ambiguity is by itself tantamount to treason misconduct. Wow what gave this illegitimate, imposter, and illegal, bogus so-called government and president the “ Anthony of power” to illegally engage in a botched so-called constitutional review process?. These is a breach and criminality to the highest degree. I don’t believe, and don’t understand why the so-called opposition is seated quietly allowing these mess to continue.
| 2024-04-12 01:09:46

And so it begins... How does he stay in power after this stolen term is up and how to ensure SLPP remains the party in power, is what he is concerned with. At a time when our electricity situation is getting worse, people are starving and turning to heavy drug use partly because of the despair of their lives, he and his wife are now being driven around in the most expensive Mercedes Benzes money can buy because I guess the official vehicles that we can't afford are not enough. I understand those private jet trips are hard to give up, but he is going to have to. A constitutional review should be about how the we improve the rights of the people and advance our country, not how do we try to hijack the legal systems of the country for personal selfish gains.
| 2024-04-11 21:20:45

Useless maada bio your time has reach . if you and your SLPP mende people think that we will accept this useless and nonsense State of emergency for one year, you are making your highest mistake ever in your life. this will be your ending point. enough is enough. Apeil 27th prepare to kill people, but you will feel the bitterness of your cockyness by the grace of God.
| 2024-04-11 19:07:08

The needful needs to be done President Bio. This is Sierra Leone for us. We pray for more wisdom to rule. More like it Sir. God bless Sierra Leone and her citizens.
| 2024-04-11 17:21:25

Maada,you are illegitimate, and does not have the authority to touch that document for now.You could have done this review on your first and last term from 2018 to 2023.Until the tripartite conclude it findings,you are not legitimate president.