by Alie Dausyn Timbo | Oct 13, 2026 | Press
The Centre for Accountability and the Rule of Law – Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) expresses grave concern over the ongoing industrial dispute between the Government and the Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA), which has disrupted academic activities in public tertiary institutions and created uncertainty for university students.
CARL-SL recognises the importance of fair remuneration, decent working conditions and professional dignity for lecturers. However, the continuing dispute raises serious concerns about the educational, social and economic consequences for students and the future of higher education in Sierra Leone.
Students are bearing the consequences of a dispute they did not create. Interruptions to lectures can leave students behind on course content, disrupt preparation for examinations, delay research and practical work, and create uncertainty around graduation dates. Students approaching the end of their programmes may face delayed entry into employment, postgraduate studies or other professional trainings.
The disruption also places additional pressure on parents who have invested huge resources in tuition, accommodation, transportation and other educational expenses. Where academic calendars are extended or revised, some students may incur additional costs and face difficulties adjusting their personal, family and work commitments. Prolonged uncertainty can also affect students’ motivation, emotional well-being and confidence in the reliability of the university system.
The consequences extend beyond individual students. Repeated interruptions to teaching and learning can place pressure on universities to compress academic programmes, reschedule examinations and reorganise teaching periods. If lost instructional time is not properly recovered, students may struggle to master essential knowledge and skills. Disruptions to research, supervision and practical training may also affect academic output and the quality of graduates entering the workforce.
Over time, persistent instability in public tertiary education risks weakening public confidence in universities and undermining Sierra Leone’s efforts to develop the skilled workforce needed in education, health, law, science, technology and other critical sectors. The protection of academic staff welfare and the continuity of students’ education must therefore be treated as interconnected priorities.
In its statement of 9th October, 2026, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education maintained that negotiations were ongoing when the strike began, and questioned the legal basis of the industrial action. In its response of 10th October, 2026 UASA argued that negotiations had not produced a concrete salary offer, and called for substantive engagement. CARL-SL urges both parties to move beyond public exchanges and commit to meaningful negotiations aimed at achieving a timely and sustainable resolution.
CARL-SL respectfully calls on His Excellency the President to provide urgent leadership, facilitate constructive negotiations and ensure that clear proposals and timelines are agreed upon. UASA and the relevant academic staff associations must also remain committed to good-faith engagement and a resolution that recognises lecturers’ legitimate concerns while protecting students’ interests.
CARL-SL further urges university administrations to communicate clearly with students about the status of academic activities and examination schedules, and to develop practical plans to recover lost teaching time. Such plans should protect academic standards and minimise avoidable academic or financial penalties for students affected by the disruption.
CARL-SL calls on all parties to place the national interest above prolonged confrontation. Lecturers’ welfare matters, students’ education matters, and Sierra Leone’s future depends on a stable and effective higher education system. The Government and UASA must act urgently to resolve the dispute, restore academic activities and prevent further harm to students and the country’s education sector.
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by Alie Dausyn Timbo | Oct 9, 2026 | Press
The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law, Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) expresses its concern over the increasingly polarised public discourse surrounding the ongoing Supreme Court proceedings on the Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025. CARL-SL urges all stakeholders to rise above partisan considerations and approach this matter first and foremost as a question of constitutional integrity, the rule of law and the long-term interest of the people of Sierra Leone.
The Constitution is the supreme legal framework governing our nation. It establishes the principles, procedures and institutional safeguards through which public authority is exercised. Any question concerning its amendment must therefore be approached with the seriousness, impartiality and respect that its fundamental importance demands.
CARL-SL recognises that political parties, public officials, lawyers, civil society organisations and citizens may hold differing views on the proposed constitutional amendments and the circumstances surrounding its passage. However, these differences must not overshadow the fundamental question before the Court, which is whether the applicable constitutional requirements and procedures have been followed.
CARL-SL calls on all parties to place Sierra Leone and its Constitution above partisan interests.
We respectfully call on the Honourable Chief Justice and the other Justices of the Supreme Court to continue discharging their constitutional responsibilities independently, impartially and without fear or favour. The Court must be afforded the space and respect necessary to examine the issues before it and reach its determination in accordance with the applicable laws. Public confidence in the administration of justice depends on the independence of the judiciary and the public’s ability to trust that constitutional questions, when they arise, will ultimately be determined through lawful judicial processes.
CARL-SL further urges all counsel appearing before the Court to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, restraint and respect for the rule of law and authority of the court. Vigorous legal argument is an essential part of Sierra Leonean’s adversarial system, however, it must remain focused on the law, the evidence and the constitutional questions at issue. Personal exchanges, partisan rhetoric and conduct that may distract from the substantive issues should give way to principled advocacy and professional responsibility.
We also call on political parties, political leaders and public officials to exercise restraint in their public statements. The constitutional questions before the Court should not be reduced to a contest between political parties or individuals. No political interest should take precedence over the constitutional order, and no individual or institution should be regarded as above the Constitution.
CARL-SL encourages the media, civil society organisations and members of the public to engage responsibly with the proceedings. Citizens have every right to follow the case, seek information, express views and hold public institutions accountable. That engagement, however, should be informed by verified information, respect for due process and an appreciation of the distinction between legal arguments presented by parties and decisions ultimately made by the Court. Public discussion should contribute to understanding, not deepen division or undermine confidence in constitutional institutions before the legal questions have been resolved.
This is a moment for constitutional reflection, not partisan escalation.
The Supreme Court has an important responsibility to interpret the constitutional questions placed before it. The parties have a responsibility to present their arguments through lawful and professional means. Political leaders have a responsibility to demonstrate restraint, and citizens have a responsibility to remain engaged, informed and committed to peaceful democratic participation.
CARL-SL reaffirms its commitment to accountability, democratic governance, and the rule of law. Whatever the outcome of the proceedings, Sierra Leone must emerge with renewed respect for constitutional governance, the rule of law and the institutions entrusted with safeguarding our democracy. Accordingly, CARL-SL urges the Supreme Court and all the parties appearing before it to work cooperatively so as to expeditiously resolve the questions before the Court.
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Please download the full Press Statement below:
