The Court of Appeal delivered seven judgments during a week-long sitting in Makeni City, marking the first time the court has issued seven judgments in the city. This historic session, held on July 22, 2026, represented a significant step towards broadening access to justice across Sierra Leone. The Makeni sitting aimed to decentralize justice delivery in Sierra Leone, extending judicial services beyond the capital, Freetown. This initiative brought the appellate court closer to citizens in Bombali District and surrounding areas, ensuring that the legal system is more accessible to individuals nationwide. The Court's presence in the province shows a commitment to making appellate justice more readily available to all Sierra Leoneans.
Judicial Panel and Cases
The appellate panel for the Makeni sitting was presided over by Honourable Justice Abdulai M. Bangurah, a Justice of the Supreme Court, bringing a wealth of experience to the proceedings. Joining him on the panel were Honourable Justice Jamesina J. King, JA, Honourable Justice Michael P. Mami, JA, and Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu, JA. This distinguished panel diligently addressed a wide array of legal matters brought before the court during its provincial session.
During the week-long judicial session in Bombali District, the Justices concluded several appeals, providing resolution to long-standing legal disputes. They also heard numerous urgent applications, demonstrating the Court's capacity to address pressing legal issues outside the capital. Among these, the Court heard an urgent application for a stay of execution, which the panel subsequently granted after careful deliberation. The seven judgments delivered by the Court covered various legal matters, including divorce petitions and complex land ownership disputes, reflecting the diverse legal needs of the communities served. These judicial outcomes are expected to have a tangible impact on the lives of the litigants involved, offering clarity and finality to their cases.
Vision for Accessible Justice
The provincial sitting forms an integral part of the vision of Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda's judicial reform agenda. This initiative aims to expand access to justice across Sierra Leone, moving court proceedings beyond the traditional hub of Freetown and into the provinces. The commitment to decentralizing appellate justice is a cornerstone of this reform, ensuring that geographical location does not impede citizens' ability to seek legal redress. The Judiciary of Sierra Leone fully funded the week-long Makeni sitting, demonstrating its dedication to this important reform. This funding was complemented by key support from the Government of Sierra Leone, enabling the Court of Appeal to successfully conduct its proceedings in Makeni City. This collaborative effort notes a unified commitment to strengthening the rule of law and enhancing judicial services throughout the country.
Citizen's Perspective
The sitting took place on July 22, 2026, marking a key moment in the decentralization of justice. This initiative aimed to decentralize appellate justice and enhance the accessibility of the legal system for citizens across the country. The Court delivered seven judgments during its session, addressing various legal matters, including divorce petitions and land ownership disputes, which are often critical issues for local communities. The proceedings in Makeni City brought appellate court services closer to residents outside the capital, Freetown, significantly reducing the burden of travel and associated costs for litigants. The move allowed individuals from surrounding areas, particularly Bombali District, to access judicial processes more readily, fostering greater trust and confidence in the legal system. The Court of Appeal's presence in the province demonstrates a clear commitment to broadening the reach of justice across Sierra Leone, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their location, have equitable access to the country's highest courts. This historic sitting sets a precedent for future decentralization efforts, promising a more inclusive and accessible justice system for all Sierra Leoneans.