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The outgoing Executive Director of the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law–Sierra Leone (CARL-SL), Lawyer Ibrahim Tommy, has urged the institution to remain steadfast in its commitment to promoting economic justice, accountability, and human rights for the people of Sierra Leone.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday at the CARL office in Freetown, Tommy officially announced the end of his tenure as Executive Director after 15 years of service. He disclosed that the institution’s Board has approved Jeremy Ben Simbo to serve as Acting Executive Director.
Reflecting on governance in Sierra Leone, Tommy said successive governments have largely failed to meet the expectations of citizens, despite some gains over the years. He attributed widespread poverty to the state’s limited capacity to deliver basic social and economic services.
“With a population of about eight million people and vast natural resources, Sierra Leone should be a wealthy nation,” he said. “But there is a lack of commitment to growing national wealth. We live day by day.”
Tommy criticized the outsourcing of key revenue-generating sectors to private entities, arguing that such arrangements often disadvantage the state. He cited vehicle registration services as an example, noting that while a private company controls the process, government receives only a minimal share of the revenue.
“That is not what genuine private sector development should look like,” he said, adding that private investors should bring in capital, invest locally, and create jobs rather than dominate public revenue streams.
He further argued that governments can successfully run businesses, referencing Ethiopian Airlines, which is state-owned, and Safaricom Ethiopia, where the Ethiopian government reportedly holds about 50 percent shares.
Tommy called for a review of existing contracts and laws to ensure the state benefits more equitably, stressing that he was not advocating for outright cancellation of agreements.
On the mining sector, he noted that Marampa Mines remains the only company in which the Government of Sierra Leone holds a 10 percent stake.
Explaining his departure, Tommy revealed that he has accepted an offer to serve as Chief Executive Officer of a private institution, while pledging continued support to CARL.
Paying tribute, CARL Advocacy Officer Lawyer Mary-Magdalene Kelfalla described Tommy as a dedicated mentor whose guidance inspired her academic achievements. She wished him success in his new role.
