Sierra Leone advances judicial reforms and dual citizenship rights

Sierra Leone is undergoing several legal and judicial reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law and expanding political participation. British High Commissioner Josephine Gauld recently met with Chief Justice Komba Kamanda in Freetown to discuss judicial priorities for the 2026/2027 year and continued British support for justice-sector initiatives, such as the UK-Sierra Leone Pro Bono Network.

Separately, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay highlighted constitutional amendments introduced via the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act 2025. These amendments allow dual citizens to contest for seats in Parliament without permanently renouncing their foreign citizenship, provided they have resided in Sierra Leone for at least 24 months and paid local taxes for five years. This measure is intended to increase political engagement among the diaspora.