CARL-SL Cautions Sierra Leoneans as Supreme Court Hears Constitutional Challenge
Alex Fefegula Harding The Acting Executive Director of the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law, Sierra Leone (CARL-SL), Jeremy Ben Simbo, has urged Sierra Leoneans to continue discussing constitutional issues responsibly while avoiding commentary that could undermine public confidence in the Supreme Court as it considers challenges to the 2025 Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Simbo made the call during an interview with Truth Media on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, stressing the importance of balancing democratic debate with respect for judicial independence.
He said citizens had the right to express their opinions on constitutional matters but urged them to exercise caution while the court considers the legal questions surrounding the amendment bill.
According to Simbo, the public should allow the justices to examine the arguments presented before them and determine the case in accordance with the law, rather than allowing public pressure to influence perceptions of the proceedings.
He also cautioned that commentary perceived to cross legal boundaries could have consequences, although he did not identify any specific legal action taken against members of the public.
Simbo emphasised that the rule of law must remain the guiding principle, stressing that the law should take precedence over individual interests.
His remarks echo CARL-SL’s statement issued on 9 October 2026, in which the organisation called on citizens, political leaders, lawyers and the media to engage responsibly with the ongoing case.
The organisation maintained that Sierra Leoneans could follow court proceedings, express their views and hold public institutions accountable while respecting due process and relying on verified information.
The Supreme Court is considering consolidated cases concerning the passage of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The legal dispute includes questions about whether the constitutional procedures required for the bill’s passage through Parliament were properly followed.
In its statement, CARL-SL urged the parties involved to cooperate in resolving the legal questions before the court and called for the proceedings to be conducted independently and impartially.
Simbo expressed hope that the court’s eventual decision would be accepted by most Sierra Leoneans, while acknowledging that some people might disagree with the outcome.
The case has placed the constitutional amendment process under judicial scrutiny, with the Supreme Court expected to determine the legal questions raised by the consolidated proceedings.