by ibakarr | Feb 8, 2023 | Press
6th February, 2023
Ahead of the 2023 elections, the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law – Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) today launched two projects that seek to support electoral justice and accountability for human rights violations and electoral offences during the elections. Essentially, the projects seek to advance efforts towards a peaceful and accountable electoral process. Funded by the Government of Ireland and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), respectively, the projects seek to support speedy and fair resolution of election-related complaints, ensure accountability for human rights violations during the electoral process, and strengthen the capacity of law enforcement officers and alternative electoral dispute resolution bodies.
“When laws regulating public elections are deemed to have been breached or violated, it is critically important that those charged with the responsibility of enforcing and/or interpreting the law do so with fairness, professionalism and reasonable speed. That’s the only way we can reduce violence in elections and enhance public trust in the process,” said Ibrahim Tommy, Executive Director of CARL, adding that “these projects provide an opportunity for effective collaboration between CARL, its partners and state actors to address any issues that arise”.
Specifically, Irish Aid-funded project, which is part of a broader project coordinated by the Institute for Governance Reforms, will support the documentation of electoral complaints, and calls for the speedy resolution of such complaints by the courts and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. CARL will also raise awareness about electoral laws and processes, and undertake advocacy for the protection of civic space, including the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of speech. OSIWA’s funding will support the implementation of a project titled “Promoting a safe and peaceful electoral process through an accountable security sector”. As part of this project, CARL will document and produce reports on incidents of police brutality and politically-motivated violence, monitor proceedings before accountability mechanisms relating to incidents of police brutality, undertake advocacy for increased funding to oversight and law enforcement institutions, and contribute to empowering the capacity of law enforcement agencies.
A recent report by CARL on the administration of electoral justice concluded that elections in Sierra Leone are often characterized by incidents of politically-motivated violence, an inadequate and highhanded response by law enforcement officers, and delays in addressing electoral complaints and holding perpetrators to account. These projects will build on the gains made over the past two years as part of the Irish Aid funded projects implemented by CARL, the Institute of Governance Reform, and the Office of National Security. #THE END# For more information, contact Jeremy Simbo at +23276 672 841 or simbojeremy@yahoo.com
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by ibakarr | Jan 9, 2023 | Press
The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law – Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) has welcomed the announcement of a five-member panel of Supreme Court justices to hear a complaint filed by two citizens of Sierra Leone against the use of the proportional representation system in the multi-tier elections scheduled for 24th June, 2023. A statement from the Judiciary said the Court will hold its first sitting on Monday, 9th January, 2023, which will be presided over by Chief Justice Desmond B. Edwards.
“When we urge citizens to use peaceful and legitimate means to resolve electoral grievances, we do so with an expectation that state organs and institutions would resolve such grievances in a speedy, professional and impartial manner,” said Ibrahim Tommy, Executive Director, Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law, adding that “It is gratifying that the Supreme Court will start hearing this matter barely a month after it was filed. This is a positive step forward in our collective advocacy for speedy resolution of electoral complaints”.
Read full text of press release here
by ibakarr | Dec 13, 2021 | Press
As the trial of Dr. Samura Kamara and his co-accused is scheduled to start on Tuesday, December 14, the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) has urged the judiciary to ensure an expeditious, fair and transparent process. In November 2021, the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) indicted Dr. Samura Kamara and five others on several counts of corruption offences, including failure to comply with procurement procedures and guidelines, abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds meant for the renovation of Sierra Leone’s chancery building in Manhattan, USA. Dr. Kamara, a Presidential candidate for the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) in the 2018 elections, faces two counts of deceiving a principal and misappropriation of public funds in the sum of $2,560,000 (Two million five hundred and sixty United States dollars). Read the full text of press release here
by ibakarr | Oct 6, 2020 | Press
The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) today urged Sierra Leoneans to demonstrate unwavering support for ongoing anti-corruption efforts in the country, pointing out that the scourge of corruption remains a binding constraint to the country’s development aspirations.
“Corruption has inflicted unquantifiable damage to our country since Independence, and sadly, it is still prevalent and pervasive. There is no doubt, however, that if we work cooperatively, we can minimize the scourge of corruption through various measures of education, prevention, investigation and resolution”, said Ibrahim Tommy, Executive Director of Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law.
Our attention has also been drawn to the ongoing investigation of former government officials by the Anti-Corruption Commission, including former President Koroma. We believe that as a former president of our country he deserves all the respect our laws and customs confer on him. Similarly, as a law-abiding citizen, we respectfully urge him to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations into his 11-year stewardship as President of Sierra Leone, including by availing himself at the offices of the Anti-Corruption Commission whenever he is required to do so. We remind the leadership and staff of the ACC of the need to treat him fairly and respectfully, having regard to his rights under the constitution. We also urge members of his family and supporters to remain calm and peaceful, as we will continue to monitor the process to ensure that his rights are fully respected. Read the full text of the press release here
by ibakarr | Jul 28, 2020 | Press
The Executive Director of Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) has welcomed the appointment of Anthony Brewah ESQ. as the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Mr. Brewah replaces Dr. Priscilla Schwartz, who held the position for a little over two years.
In response to the news of his appointment, CARL’s Executive Director Ibrahim Tommy ESQ. said, “Mr. Brewah comes highly recommended as an experienced legal practitioner of almost thirty years’ standing and therefore, is well-placed to understand the myriad challenges that currently confront the justice sector. I expect him to utilise the existing opportunities to overcome those challenges”.
There are many issues that deserve the attention of the new Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, but CARL respectfully urges him to focus on the following:
Read full text of press release here
by ibakarr | Jun 9, 2020 | Press
Thanks to funding from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) today launched a $40,000 project aimed at monitoring and documenting human rights violations, ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of Sierra Leone’s Covid-19 response funds, and supporting social mobilization efforts through media outreach. Through this initiative, CARL will work with 16 Human Rights Monitors and regional partners across the country to track and respond to human rights violations, providing legal assistance to victims of human rights abuses, and to the extent possible, keeping tabs on medical and food supplies provided by the government and its partners to hospitals and quarantine facilities. Read full text here of the press release
