by Alice Derbyshire Olu-Jones | Jul 24, 2026 | Press
The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law – Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) wishes to commend Parliament and
the Government of Sierra Leone for sustaining the country’s constitutional review process, which represents one
of the most significant democratic reform initiatives since the adoption of the 1991 Constitution.
As an organisation committed to promoting constitutionalism, good governance, accountability, human rights,
and the rule of law, we believe that a modern, inclusive, and people-centred Constitution is fundamental to
strengthening democratic governance, protecting fundamental rights, enhancing institutional accountability,
and consolidating sustainable peace and national development.
View full statement below..
by Alice Derbyshire Olu-Jones | Jul 7, 2026 | Press
The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law, Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) is calling on President Julius Maada
Bio to urgently intervene to protect the retirement savings of Sierra Leonean workers, following the Minister
of Labour and Social Security’s admission that “NASSIT’s investments are not doing well.”
We commend Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray for his candor, and the government for its stated
commitment to accountability. Candor must now be matched with decisive action, though. CARL-SL urges
the President to ensure a full, independent audit of NASSIT’s investment portfolio, and the immediate
recovery of any misused or lost funds.
SEE FULL PRESS STATEMENT BELOW..
by Alice Derbyshire Olu-Jones | Mar 26, 2026 | Press
The Center for Accountability and Rule of Law, Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) has carefully followed recent developments regarding the appointment of an “Acting Mayor” for the Freetown City Council, arising in the context of the absence from office of the elected Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, and her Deputy. These events have generated significant public discourse and raised important questions regarding the proper interpretation of the legal framework governing local councils in Sierra Leone.
At the heart of the matter lies an issue of statutory interpretation under the Local Government Act, 2022. Specifically, the current circumstances present a gap or ambiguity as to how mayoral functions are to be exercised in a situation where both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are simultaneously absent from office. In the absence of explicit statutory provisions addressing this precise scenario, differing positions have emerged, contributing to legal uncertainty and public concern.
In this regard, we observe that where such uncertainty exists, it is imperative that all actions taken by political or administrative actors remain within the confines of the law. Any measure adopted outside clear statutory authority risks undermining the rule of law and eroding public confidence in democratic institutions. It is therefore essential that this matter be approached with caution, restraint, and a firm commitment to legality. In a constitutional democracy such as Sierra Leone, the court remains the ultimate arbiter of legal disputes and questions of interpretation. Issues concerning the scope of authority of public offices, and the legality of actions taken in their absence fall squarely within judicial competence. Resort to the court is not merely an option but the most appropriate and legitimate pathway to resolving such institutional ambiguities.
In light of the foregoing, we respectfully advance the following recommendations:
• All relevant stakeholders, such as the governing party, main opposition party, and the Freetown City Council, should promptly seek judicial interpretation through appropriate legal proceedings
. • Pending such judicial determination, all parties should refrain from taking further unilateral actions that may deepen the legal uncertainty or create competing claims to authority.
• The relevant institutions of local governance should ensure continuity of essential administrative functions through lawful internal mechanisms, without attempting to exercise powers not clearly granted by law.
• Supporters of the governing party and the main opposition party, and members of the public are urged to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, and to allow due process to take its course without resort to confrontation or disorder.
CARL-SL emphasizes that the peaceful and lawful resolution of this matter is critical not only to the smooth running of the Freetown City Council, but also to the preservation of democratic governance and the rule of law in Sierra Leone. At this moment, restraint, respect for institutions, and fidelity to legal processes are of utmost importance.
Furthermore, we remain committed to promoting accountability, constitutionalism, and the rule of law, and will continue to monitor developments closely.
For further enquiry, please contact Mr. Jeremy Ben Simbo, Acting Executive Director, CARL-SL on: +232-76-672841 or simbojb@carl.org.sl / simbojeremy@yahoo.com THE END!
by Alice Derbyshire Olu-Jones | Dec 16, 2025 | Blog
This simplified version—developed by the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) with UNDP support—breaks down complex legal provisions into clear, accessible language for all Sierra Leoneans.
by Alice Derbyshire Olu-Jones | Sep 16, 2025 | Press
The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law, Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) warmly welcomes the official commencement of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) 2024, which takes effect today, September 16th, 2025. This landmark piece of legislation marks a historic step forward in modernizing Sierra Leone’s justice system, replacing the outdated 1965 Act.
We acknowledge the tremendous effort invested in bringing this reform to fruition and commend all stakeholders who have worked towards strengthening fairness, efficiency, and transparency within our criminal justice system.
As we celebrate this progress, CARL-SL emphasizes the importance of accountability in its implementation. We call on all justice sector actors to ensure that the law is applied in ways that uphold its spirit and purpose, leaving no gaps that could undermine access to justice.
CARL-SL reaffirms its commitment to closely monitoring the implementation of the CPA 2024, as we have consistently done with other justice reforms, and to constructively engaging stakeholders towards building a justice system that truly serves all Sierra Leoneans.
Together, let us work to ensure that this reform delivers meaningful change in the lives of our people
End
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