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The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has called for restraint among political actors as the country awaits the Supreme Court’s interpretation of a disputed constitutional amendment process.
In a statement dated August 12, 2026, SLAJ said it was concerned about the controversy and uncertainty surrounding Parliament’s consideration of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The association said Sierra Leone’s media houses had provided platforms for politicians, political commentators, legal experts and other stakeholders to debate and scrutinise the proposed amendments.
SLAJ said the engagement, including discussions at Tokeh, had raised hopes for broad-based dialogue and an outcome capable of commanding public confidence and serving the national interest.
The statement comes after a contentious parliamentary sitting in which the All People’s Congress (APC) withdrew from the chamber before the Bill was put to a vote. Parliament subsequently announced the number of votes recorded in favour of the measure. Reports from the parliamentary proceedings said the dispute centred on the constitutional requirement for a two-thirds majority when amending the Constitution.
SLAJ noted that the Speaker of Parliament subsequently referred the relevant constitutional question to the Supreme Court for interpretation.
The journalists’ association welcomed the referral, saying political parties, state institutions and citizens should respect and abide by the court’s eventual determination.
SLAJ said constitutional amendments of national significance should, as far as possible, be accompanied by broad public understanding, confidence and participation. It added that political disagreements were part of democratic life but should be managed through dialogue, lawful constitutional procedures and respect for democratic institutions.
The association also urged political parties and other stakeholders to avoid actions or rhetoric that could increase political tensions or weaken public confidence in Sierra Leone’s constitutional institutions.
SLAJ commended the country’s media for its sustained coverage of the parliamentary process, saying journalists and media organisations had helped keep citizens informed about the debates, proceedings and vote.
It urged the media to continue providing accurate, fair and contextual reporting as the constitutional matter moves through the legal and democratic process.
The association further called on political actors to place the national interest above partisan considerations and protect peace, tolerance and national cohesion.
“Constitutional reform must ultimately be about more than winning or losing a political contest. It must strengthen the institutions, rights and democratic principles that every Sierra Leonean, regardless of political affiliation, will depend upon today and for generations to come,” said SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, adding that Sierra Leone’s constitutional democracy belongs to all its citizens, and every reform process must ultimately serve the people and the nation.
