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The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, debated and ratified two international legal instruments aimed at strengthening governance reforms and advancing justice sector development.
The instruments ratified are the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) (2020) and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aimed at the abolition of the death penalty, adopted by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 44/128 of December 15, 1989.
Presenting the agreements, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., told Members of Parliament that both instruments are key to Sierra Leone’s development and reform agenda.
He explained that the IOMed Convention is designed to facilitate the settlement of international commercial, investment, and other disputes through mediation. According to him, the convention aligns with the United Nations Charter, its principles, and Sierra Leone’s foreign policy objectives.
The Minister further noted that the convention provides a reliable and cost-effective alternative to litigation and arbitration, adding that it could also create employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans as professional mediators.
He said member states retain flexibility under the convention, including the option to exclude specific categories of disputes, citing countries such as China, Venezuela, and Myanmar as examples.
On the Second Optional Protocol on the abolition of the death penalty, the Attorney General underscored its importance in strengthening human rights protections and aligning Sierra Leone with international justice standards.
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, said the IOMed Convention would promote peaceful dialogue, enhance investor confidence, and improve Sierra Leone’s international image. However, he noted that mediation agreements may face enforcement challenges due to the lack of automatic legal enforceability. He also expressed support for the abolition of the death penalty.
Concluding the debate, Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, supported the ratification of both instruments. He said joining IOMed would promote peace, reduce dispute resolution costs, attract investment, and strengthen international cooperation.
He also highlighted the significance of the protocol on the abolition of the death penalty, referencing President Julius Maada Bio’s position on justice sector reforms.
The Attorney General later responded to concerns raised by Members of Parliament, providing further clarification on the instruments.
