US Embassy Lauds Sierra Leone's Commitment to Inclusive Constitutional Review

US Embassy Lauds Sierra Leone’s Commitment to Inclusive Constitutional Review

The United States Embassy in Sierra Leone has commended the government of Sierra Leone’s launch of the long-awaited constitutional review process.

The Embassy’s statement highlighted its appreciation for the government’s commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and consensus-building with the opposition.

President Julius Maada Bio in his address at the launch meeting on Thursday, emphasized the historical roots of the review process, citing the 1999 Lomé Peace Agreement and recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s journey since the adoption of the current Constitution, President Bio highlighted the imperatives for a comprehensive review, acknowledging the imperfections inherent in any document and the evolving nature of societal needs.

President Bio reiterated his unwavering commitment to concluding the Constitutional Review Process, a pledge he made during his candidacy for the presidency in 2018. He recalled the genesis of this process, stemming from the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) following the civil war, and affirmed his administration’s dedication to fulfilling this mandate.

He stressed the importance of a “consultative and participatory process” to strengthen democracy and address the evolving needs of Sierra Leonean society.

In the post, the United States Embassy called for the inclusion of forthcoming recommendations from the Electoral Review Commission. This, they stated, would be crucial for maintaining public confidence in the review process and its outcomes.

“Greatly appreciate government assurances at Thursday’s presidential briefing to the diplomatic corps that the ongoing constitutional review process will be fully inclusive of all stakeholders.

“Ensuring complete transparency, building consensus with the opposition on the timing of and next steps in the review process, and including forthcoming recommendations from the Electoral Review Commission will be key to maintaining public confidence in the review and its outcomes.”, the post said.

However, the launch wasn’t without public commentary. Concerns were raised regarding the timing of the review, coinciding with the ongoing work of the Electoral Review Commission. Claude Suffian-Kargbo, in a comment on the Embassy’s post, expressed anxieties that the constitutional review could be used to manipulate the electoral system in favor of the current administration.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

| 2024-04-18 19:46:43

I see this in another understanding that my colleague commentators are not doing it based on our situation with the Diasporas but with emotions. African countries will only rule independently when they stop receiving deceived donors and offers from the them. It is then our opinions stop been manipulated.
| 2024-04-15 10:11:51

What a coward, incompetent and naive government that lacks the needed self confidence to do national issues independently! Must you bring in these preys or predators in the reviewing of our state laws?
| 2024-04-14 20:14:33

These
| 2024-04-14 08:17:16

What has the US got to do with our constitutional review process? In order to get a legal grounds in setting us apart the more as it's happening now. Just so they get a few to continue using as the cart away with the nation's natural resources at zero benefit to its true owners? Can't the US major or thier majors for once and let the Sierra Leonean citizens breathe? In in the wisdom of few peace loving 🇸🇱, calm has relatively returned to the country which would have never been had it been the foreign powers mediating, because their interests would be at the center of it all. Let us be Mr ambassador! There is no positive example of any where the us has lunched a full intervention support and it ended in a success for the common people. If you doubt this ask the Libyans, and the Afghans and come back to tell me what you find.
| 2024-04-13 18:25:38

This people always involved them selves in issues that are not concerning them they are the same people making the war between Ukraine and Russia not to end because they are just there to create problem in another countries so that they will sell there weapon 🔫🔫 and make more money
| 2024-04-13 15:16:21

Too much meddling by foreign diplomats into Sierra Leone domestic policy is weakening this country everyday aided by our president .Is like we are no longer a country by ourselves but a states under America.
| 2024-04-13 15:14:38

What's their business if our government plans to make relevant changes in our constitution, this guys are crossing their boundaries of jurisdiction.