The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has called for the Supreme Court to provide a clear constitutional interpretation on the legal questions emerging from the ongoing constitutional review process, describing the matter as a significant national issue that requires authoritative judicial guidance.
The association’s position was outlined by its Public Relations Officer, Umu Bakar, during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE) press conference held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Bakar said SLAJ remains neutral on the substantive issues surrounding the constitutional review but supports the decision by the Speaker of Parliament to seek the guidance of the Supreme Court.
“Our position has been very clear: we are neither for nor against. We support the decision of the Speaker of Parliament to consult the Supreme Court for interpretation,” she said.
According to the SLAJ PRO, the Constitution remains the supreme legal framework of Sierra Leone, making the Supreme Court the appropriate institution to resolve constitutional questions that may arise from Parliament’s actions and decisions.
“We believe that the Supreme Court should look into these issues because what we are dealing with is a matter of national interest,” Bakar stated.
She maintained that whatever determination the Supreme Court eventually makes should be respected by all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of political affiliation or institutional interest.
Bakar further highlighted the important role of the media in the constitutional review process, particularly in helping citizens understand complex legal and parliamentary issues.
She explained that many ordinary citizens may not have the opportunity to attend parliamentary proceedings or follow legal arguments before the courts. For this reason, she said journalists have a responsibility to make constitutional developments accessible to the wider public.
“We have a responsibility to Sierra Leone. We know that, as media people, we are the voice of the voiceless,” she said.
The SLAJ official noted that the association, alongside individual media institutions, has continued to monitor developments surrounding the constitutional review because of its potential impact on the country’s governance and democratic institutions.
She stressed that responsible journalism would be essential in ensuring that citizens receive accurate information about the proceedings in Parliament and any subsequent legal developments before the courts.
Bakar also said the broader constitutional review process should result in a supreme law that adequately reflects the aspirations, concerns and everyday realities of Sierra Leoneans.
“We want to see a Constitution that reflects Sierra Leoneans; a Constitution that reflects on the things that will help the country to grow,” she said.
She specifically referenced ordinary citizens, including market women, farmers, fishermen and other communities across the country, arguing that their interests and concerns should be properly reflected in the Constitution.
Beyond the constitutional questions themselves, Bakar said the current situation could provide an opportunity to strengthen public confidence in Sierra Leone’s judiciary.
She described the matter as a potential test of citizens’ trust in the judicial system, particularly if the Supreme Court delivers a clear, credible and constitutionally grounded interpretation.
“I think this can be a test case for Sierra Leoneans to regain trust in the judicial system because, at the end of the day, the courts interpret the laws for us,” she stated.
Bakar assured that journalists would continue to provide accurate and responsible coverage as the constitutional process progresses. She noted that radio, newspapers, television and other media platforms remain important sources of information for citizens who may otherwise have limited access to developments within state institutions.
She also appealed to political actors to put the national interest ahead of political differences, stressing that constitutional reform should not be driven by the interests of particular political parties, institutions or individuals.
“The Constitution and the laws we hope to review should serve the national interest and should not be used to favour particular interests,” Bakar said.
SLAJ’s position therefore centres on the need for constitutional questions arising from the current process to be settled through the appropriate legal and institutional channels. The association maintains that an authoritative interpretation by the Supreme Court would help provide clarity, guide the ongoing process and strengthen public understanding of constitutional governance.
As the constitutional review continues to generate public and political debate, SLAJ has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the media remains a platform for accurate information, public education and national dialogue, while urging all stakeholders to respect the Constitution and any authoritative decision reached by the country’s highest court.