Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Justice Komba Kamanda, is attending the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Conference in Kingston, Jamaica, alongside judges and senior judicial officers from across the Commonwealth.
Themed “Sustainable Justice: For Today, For Tomorrow, For All,” the conference has gathered more than 540 delegates from 44 Commonwealth jurisdictions, including approximately 30 Chief Justices and senior judicial figures.
This event allows judges to share experiences and address emerging challenges in the justice system, while also exploring ways to improve judicial frameworks across the Commonwealth.
Sierra Leone is notably represented, with three judges from the Superior Court of Judicature presenting on pressing issues. On Monday, Justice Mark Ngegba discussed “Military Justice: What Next?” Justice Adrian J. Fisher is set to present on “Vulnerable Witnesses or Awkward Litigants,” and Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi will speak on “Protecting Ourselves from Online and Physical Threats” on Wednesday, September 23.
The involvement of these judges provides Sierra Leone an opportunity to share perspectives with judicial professionals from other Commonwealth nations.
Chief Justice Kamanda also participated in a meeting of Chief Justices on September 19, which included leaders from jurisdictions such as England and Wales, Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Uganda. Jamaica’s Governor-General and Prime Minister also attended.
This conference marks the first time since Sierra Leone rejoined the Association that such a significant delegation has been present. The group includes Supreme Court Justices Sengu Koroma and Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi, Court of Appeal Judges Michael P. Mami, Tonia Barnett, and Aiah Simeon Allieu, as well as High Court Judges Lornard Taylor, Adrian J. Fisher, and Mark Ngegba.
The participation has received positive feedback from senior lawyers and justice-sector stakeholders, highlighting the increasing involvement of Sierra Leonean judges in international judicial discussions.
Chief Justice Kamanda reiterated his dedication to strengthening Sierra Leone’s judiciary and enhancing its engagement with international judicial bodies, focusing on promoting justice, human rights, and the rule of law while offering opportunities for local judicial officers to contribute to global discourses on justice.
