By: MRCG
As a direct outcome of the Media Reform Coordinating Group’s (MRCG) community engagement meetings with stakeholders in the Mile 91 community under the ongoing project “Engaging Media and Communities to Change the Narrative on Transitional Justice (TJ) Issues in Sierra Leone,” funded by the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF) the Honorable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda has officially deployed a resident magistrate and inaugurated a Magistrate Court to serve Mile 91 and its surrounding areas.
During the community meetings, one of the most pressing concerns raised by residents was the prolonged absence of a sitting magistrate, which had resulted in limited access to justice. Community members expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of crime, and the financial and logistical challenges associated with attending court proceedings outside the town.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report of 2004, a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s post-conflict transitional justice efforts, highlighted access to justice as a key recommendation. It emphasized the importance of local-level justice in addressing the root causes of the civil war and fostering long-term peace and reconciliation.
At the formal opening of the refurbished Magistrate Court in Mile 91, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, Member of Parliament for Tonkolili District, commended MRCG for its tireless advocacy and applauded the Chief Justice for taking concrete steps to reform the judiciary. He noted that the court was originally constructed in 2010 to serve as a circuit court but ceased operations around 2016. The absence of a functional court, he said, had contributed to a rise in crime and justice delays. He added that the return of a magistrate would significantly reduce the cost and burden of accessing justice. Hon. Koroma also appealed for the establishment of a temporary detention center in the community.
Paramount Chief Bai Sheboreh Thelleh III expressed joy that this landmark event had occurred during his reign. He called on town chiefs and politicians to avoid interfering in judicial matters. “If your family member is before the court for any offense, do not attempt to influence the proceedings. We have long prayed for justice let justice prevail at all levels,” he stated.
Augustine James, MRCG’s Head of Programs, conveyed appreciation on behalf of the National Coordinator, Dr. Francis Sowa. He thanked the Chief Justice for not only acknowledging their advocacy letter but also taking prompt action to restore access to justice in Mile 91. James emphasized that such responsiveness from government institutions brings immense satisfaction to advocacy organizations and their donors. He also thanked ATJLF for its support and the residents of Mile 91 for placing their trust in MRCG to lead the advocacy.
In his address, Honorable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda praised MRCG for its strategic and effective advocacy. He reiterated that the deployment of a resident magistrate to Mile 91 was not only a part of wider judicial reforms but also a fulfillment of the TRC report’s recommendation to ensure justice is accessible at all levels. He concluded by stating that similar initiatives would be implemented in other major towns across Sierra Leone under his leadership.