AYV News, January 21, 2025
The American Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Bryan Hunt has assured the leadership of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone of the United States Government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and support effective justice delivery throughout the country.
Speaking to the leadership of the Judiciary in the Chambers of the Chief Justice, the Ambassador said his visit was more than just a courtesy call on the Hon. Chief Justice, but also aimed at being brought up to speed with the vision of the institution under the new Chief Justice’s leadership and how it could be used to give the Judiciary a facelift.
Welcoming the Ambassador and his team, the Hon. Chief Justice Komba Kamanda said amid existing challenges, his leadership is determined to uphold the Constitution of Sierra Leone and the rule of law as well as adjudicate over cases in order to promote national peace, security and development.
He disclosed that also central to his vision is the administration of an independent, free, fair, accountable and transparent justice delivery throughout the country by engaging in the rollout of strategic activities that will increase public trust and change of perception about the Judiciary.
“I am highly committed to ensuring that a workable solution is reached to address the much contentious issue of bail which I consider to be a human right issue. I have already given out additional directives to all judicial officers and support staff on the handling of bail in accordance with the law which will ensure that accused persons/defendants admitted to bail are released without unnecessary encumbrances,” the Chief Justice stated.
Referencing the U.S government’s firm support over the years to effective justice delivery in Sierra Leone, the Chief Justice singled out the Bail and Sentencing Project which gave birth to the Bail Regulations of 2018 and the Sentencing Guidelines now embedded in the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
He added that these legal reforms have helped address overcrowding at various Correctional Centres in the country and reduced government expenditure on inmates.
In the area of institutional reforms, the Hon. Chief Justice said most laws currently used are outdated, especially the Supreme Court Rules, stressing the need for a review of our laws, access to justice through infrastructural development which he said remains crucial for effective justice delivery.
“Our Judges are still taking down evidence by hand and this has been identified as one of the principal reasons for prolonged cases,” the Chief Justice disclosed, stressing the need for advance technology and medical facilities in the court premises, particularly the Law Court buildings on Siaka Steven Street to regularly check the pressure of Judges thereby keeping them fit for work.
Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Justice Alusine Sesay said the United States government has been very supportive in ensuring that our laws are updated including the Cyber Law, Bail and Sentencing Policy, Anti-Human Trafficking Laws and also emphasizing the rule of law. He pledged Judiciary’s unwavering willingness to expeditious justice delivery.
Court of Appeal Judge, Hon. Justice Bintu Alhadi said she had benefited a lot from the US exchange programs especially from the American Exchange program for International Women Judges. She stressed that having video links for dangerous prisoners through improved IT infrastructure is crucial at this point time.
“There is need for recording/stenographers and subscriptions plus a well-furnished and functional library and a solar system for the Judiciary to boost electricity supply,” she implored.
Responding, the US Ambassador said decisions have not yet been taken regarding foreign assistance as there will be a new government in weeks. He however assured that the US government will look into modernization of the Judiciary which covers training for judicial personnel and the possibility of video conferencing for dangerous prisoners.
He maintained that infrastructural challenge has been a long-standing challenge to the Judiciary for which the World Bank is looking at programs to sponsor infrastructural projects.
He assured the Hon. Chief Justice that they will support with IT Equipment, training programs and modernization of legislations among others.
