AYV News, July 15, 2026
Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has conducted an unannounced inspection of the Kenema district’s first Sexual Offences Model Court, reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to strengthening access to justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence across the country.
The specialised court, currently under construction in Nongowa chiefdom, is nearing completion and is expected to significantly enhance the handling of sexual offences cases in the Eastern Region once it becomes operational.
According to the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, the Kenema facility will be the third Sexual Offences Model Court established under the leadership of Chief Justice Kamanda, following the successful establishment of similar courts in Makeni and Bo.
The Judiciary noted that the specialised courts form part of broader judicial reforms aimed at accelerating the hearing and determination of sexual offences cases while providing a safe, survivor-centred environment for victims of gender-based violence, particularly women and children.
During the inspection, Chief Justice Kamanda toured the construction site to assess the progress of the project and expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the work being undertaken.
The establishment of specialised Sexual Offences Model Courts is intended to improve the efficiency of the justice system by reducing delays in the prosecution of sexual offences, enhancing the protection of survivors, and ensuring that cases are handled in a more sensitive and supportive environment.
The Judiciary has continued to expand access to specialised courts as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the administration of justice and reinforce public confidence in the country’s legal system. Once completed, the Kenema Sexual Offences Model Court is expected to play a critical role in improving the delivery of justice for survivors in the Eastern Region and surrounding communities.
