The government of Sierra Leone will be preparing its defense for two significant cases against it as The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) resumed its judicial activities for the 2024-2025 legal year following a two-month judicial break.

The cases, filed by the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) and Satta Lamin Banya, will be heard on September 27, 2024. Banya, an advocate for the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party, alleges that the government has failed to investigate and prosecute those responsible for her gang rape in 2018.

FAHP, along with ‘We Are Purposeful’ and another individual who wishes to remain anonymous, is challenging the government’s lack of explicit laws criminalizing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

These cases join three others pending against Sierra Leone, including those filed by Hassan Kargbo & 7 Others, Cassandra Garber & 4 Others, and Advocaid Limited.

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The court’s President, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, welcomed legal professionals and colleagues at the opening of the new legal year. He emphasized the importance of addressing substantial cases and pending matters, reaffirming the court’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate with diligence.