Today, I hosted representatives from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) West African Regional Office (WARO) for discussions on progress made towards strengthening human rights in Sierra Leone. We discussed reforms made, with a human rights lens, in Sierra Leone’s justice system including efforts to decriminalize poverty and strengthen access too justice, the work of the Human Rights Commission for Sierra Leone, and how we use the constitutional review process as well as other legislative reforms to strengthen human rights. We also discussed challenges that remain and opportunities for collaboration to address those challenges. The OHCHR and other UN agencies have been reliable partners in Sierra Leone’s human rights journey and we will continue to strengthen these partnerships to scale up the investments we have made.

Yesterday, I hosted and held very productive discussions with the Chair and Commissioners of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone(ECSL). We used our meeting to discuss the extensive electoral reforms that are being undertaken including a reform of the ECSL and amendments to our country’s constitution and other electoral laws. These reforms will strengthen elections preparedness and electoral credibility in Sierra Leone, and we will make sure they are transparent and inclusive.

Earlier today, we took another important step towards the permanent abolition of the death penalty in Sierra Leone through the Parliamentary ratification of the the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights(ICCPR)-the only international instrument aimed at the universal abolition of the death penalty. While the death penalty has been abolished domestically, the absence of binding international obligations leaves open the theoretical possibility of reintroduction through future legislative amendments. Accession to the Second Optional Protocol therefore forecloses this possibility, as the Protocol does not permit derogation. This is a human rights commitment- the Government must not, under any circumstances, take away human life. Taking this step now demonstrates Government’s respect for fundamental human rights and good faith commitments made towards meeting our obligations under international human rights law.

At the Sierra Leone Mining Week 2026, I delivered a statement before mining industry leaders on the Legal and Regulatory Framework of Natural Resources and the Extractive Industry in Sierra Leone. As i noted in my statement, a lawyer knows that the most consequential document in any transaction is rarely the one signed in the boardroom. It is the one drafted before anyone sits down at that table — the one that defines what may be taken, what must be left behind, who bears the risk, and who keeps the reward. In the extractive industry, that document is the law. And in Sierra Leone today, that law has never been stronger, clearer, or more deliberately crafted to serve our nation's interests. To investors and mining companies from across the world, I say this directly: Sierra Leone is open for business. Our legal framework is transparent, accessible, and aligned with international best practice. Our courts have jurisdiction. Our Arbitration Act provides a modern dispute resolution architecture. Our contracts are negotiated in good faith and we expect them to be honoured in good faith. We welcome capital, we welcome expertise, we welcome genuine partnership. But partnership requires respect — for our laws, for our communities, for our sovereign right to participate meaningfully in the value generated from our own ground.

The before and the after: Picture on the left is how I went to work today- with this Arsenal tie that is 22 years old. Picture on right is same tie in 2004. The tie was gifted to me in 2004 by a Law School classmate and colleague Alimamy Sesay Esq., while we studied for the Bar final exams. That year, Arsenal won the league (unbeaten). Since then, I have traveled the world, worked and lived in different countries and in the process, I have lost many personal things. However, this tie has endured- for some reason, it just did not go away. Today, 22 years later, I have the honor of wearing the same tie to celebrate Arsenal winning the Premier League. The tie, like many fans, waited for this moment. We are the @Arsenal @AFTVMedia

Greetings from a family of EPL Champions. #Arsenal has always been a family affair. Our family waited years for this- now we are here. @Arsenal is in the family DNA.

Good morning #Gunners . We waited for this moment. And through all those challenging times, we always believed. Finally, finally, #Arsenal are #PremierLeague Champions.

While in Geneva, I was pleased to meet with my counterpart- the Minister of Justice of The Netherlands, where we continued our longstanding conversation on issues of mutual interest to our respective countries. We underscored the need for mutual legal assistance as well as work together to strengthen security cooperation for our countries.

This morning, in Geneva, we presented Sierra Leone’s human rights report to the UN Human Rights Council as part of the Universal Periodic Review process. In our country’s report, we presented in good faith the progress achieved since our last review in 2021, including important constitutional, legal, institutional, and policy reforms, as well as the challenges that remain and our ongoing efforts to address them. We addressed efforts made to strengthen human rights through protection of civil and political rights as well as investments in socio-economic rights. We affirmed Sierra Leone’s strong commitment to the full implementation of the Universal Periodic Review recommendations and to the continued strengthening of its human rights framework. The Government remains determined to build on the progress achieved, address remaining challenges, and advance a just, inclusive, and rights-based society grounded in dignity, equality, and the rule of law. We consider the UPR not only as a mechanism of accountability, but also as a valuable platform for shared learning, the exchange of best practices, and the strengthening of national human rights systems.

Sierra Leone has presented its Fourth-Cycle HR Report before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlighting reforms in justice, women’s empowerment, child rights, health & education, while reaffirming its commitment to human rights & accountability. #UPR2026 #SierraLeone

This morning, the Women’s Caucus in Parliament- comprised of female Members of Parliament (MPs) from the ruling SLPP, opposition APC and female paramount chief MPs convened a meeting to discuss “Women, Democratic Governance, and Constitutional Reform in Sierra Leone.” I was honored to deliver the keynote statement at this important meeting of female lawmakers. As I noted to our lawmakers, our constitutional reform process is a conversation about our shared future. It is a blueprint designed to ensure that the 52% of our population—our women—are no longer just the silent observers of growth, but the primary drivers of it. We must ensure that when history looks back at 2025 and 2026, it says that this was the moment Sierra Leone stopped asking for permission to be equal and started demanding it through the Supreme Law of the Land. With these reforms, we are not just amending a law; we are securing prosperity for generations. President Julius Maada Bio has provided the vision—a vision of a productive, self-reliant economy anchored in inclusion. My office has provided the legal framework. We are excited that our female lawmakers are demonstrating the political will.

Yesterday, we were pleased to receive from the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, “A Report on the Situation of Correctional Services in Sierra Leone(Human Rights Behind Bars).” The report, which is a product of a detailed assessment of conditions of correctional services across the country, provides valuable data that will inform our reform agenda. Correctional service reform is a human rights issue and it forms a crucial part of our justice sector reform process. We are glad to be doing this work together with the Human Rights Commission.

Over the weekend, we talked about justice- not in the courtroom or in government offices. We talked about justice on the runway, at the Fashion for Change- an elegant fundraiser organized by Ms. Isha Johansen to raise awareness about incarcerated women especially those behind bars for petty offenses and nonpayment of fines. The event showcased fashion and items prepared by incarcerated women in Sierra Leone. As guest of honor for the event, I made brief remarks and answered questions on correctional service reform including review of laws that significantly affect poor and marginalized women in the country. That is why we are decriminalizing petty offenses and enacting legislation on community service and other alternatives to incarceration. We are excited about our partnership with Ms. Johansen. Her commitment to give a human face to our correctional service system is commendable as it aligns with our justice sector reform strategy.

Our democracy and justice systems are works in progress. Let us think Sa Lone and build them together. Happy 65th Independence Day.

This morning, at a multi-stakeholder dialogue convened by the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council, Reform Initiatives and CHRDI, i delivered opening remarks on the theme “Reimagining a Just and Resilient Democracy in Sierra Leone.” In my statement, I acknowledged the responsibility that rests on my office. The law, I noted, is the architecture of trust between citizens and the state. If that trust is broken, democracy falters. That is why integrity and accountability must guide us. We must protect our constitution—not only in its current form, but also as it evolves through the ongoing constitutional review process. This review is not a mere technical exercise; it is a national conversation about who we are and who we aspire to be. It is an opportunity to strengthen safeguards against executive overreach, to deepen citizen participation, and to ensure that our institutions reflect the values of justice and fairness. I urged the audience to note that democracy is not a finished product. It is a living promise—one that must be renewed with each generation. Democracy cannot be the responsibility of government alone. Civil society must hold us accountable.The media must shine a light where there is darkness. Political parties must model integrity. The judiciary must stand firm as guardian of the rule of law. And citizens themselves must participate—not passively, but actively.

#ECOWAS JUDICIAL COUNCIL MEETING: Sierra Leone’s Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq said, "Our direction is clear: to move away from justice for the few and toward justice for all. But we recognize that....no nation’s justice system can stand alone."

Earlier today, I had the pleasure and honor to welcome distinguished Chief Justices and legal luminaries from across West Africa at the opening ceremony of the ECOWAS Judicial Council meeting. As I noted to our distinguished delegates, when we strengthen judicial cooperation across our sub-region, we are not just debating legal philosophy; we are building the infrastructure for economic growth. By harmonizing our judicial practices and ensuring the effective enforcement of regional judgments, we send a clear message: West Africa is a community of laws.

To enhance economic diversification and growth in Sierra Leone, we are taking steps to harmonize our companies and business registration laws. Yesterday, my team and I received a detailed report on the national consultative process and a draft of the Companies and Allied Matters Bill 2026, a comprehensive one-stop legislation which will modernize corporate governance frameworks, enhance regulatory compliance, protect stakeholder interests, and promote business innovation while ensuring transparency and accountability. It will streamline business and company registration, reduce barriers, enable online/digital processes, enhance investor protection, transparency, compliance, support informal sector formalization, and align with international best practices. This initiative is jointly managed by the Office of the Attorney General & Minister of Justice and the National Investment Board(NIB). We are grateful to the consulting firm Tejan-Cole, Yillah & Partners, and the lead expert Ms. Michala Mackay for leading the consultations and producing such a detailed draft of the Bill. We are also grateful to the World Bank Economic Diversification Project for supporting this exercise.