His Lordship Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda of Sierra Leone, who also serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, has successfully elevated Sierra Leone’s judiciary on the international stage. At the Ninth Cairo High-Level Meeting of Presidents of African Constitutional Courts, Supreme Courts, and Constitutional Councils, he was the only Chief Justice selected to speak on behalf of his counterparts from fifteen countries, including Ghana and Nigeria.
This recognition reflects the transformative judicial reforms he has championed within just one year, positioning Sierra Leone as one of the top-performing countries in promoting the rule of law, strengthening judicial independence, and enhancing the transparency and effectiveness of its justice system, according to the 2025 World Justice Rule of Law Index.
The ongoing International Conference on Constitutional Justice, held under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, provides a platform for African judicial leaders to engage in discussions on constitutional issues.
Delivering a keynote speech on the theme “Challenges Facing Constitutional Justice in Africa,” Chief Justice Kamanda emphasized the critical role of Supreme Constitutional Courts as guardians of the rule of law and protectors of human rights. He stated:
“The Supreme Constitutional Courts must maintain the inescapable fact that no man or institution is greater than the Constitution, and therefore the Constitution alone should guide the functions and thought processes of the Supreme Court.”
He further stressed that judicial independence is vital for protecting the rule of law and promoting good governance. Chief Justice Kamanda concluded that the Constitution is a living instrument that must be preserved and always upheld.
During the conference, Chief Justice Kamanda was honored with one of Egypt’s most prestigious awards in recognition of his commitment to promoting the rule of law and advancing the administration of justice. The Bar Association Award was received on his behalf by Supreme Court Judge Honourable Justice Fatmata Bintu Alhadi.
Chief Justice Kamanda was accompanied by Supreme Court Judge Honourable Justice Alusine Sesay. His achievements have continued to attract both global and local recognition for his leadership and dedication to justice.
The opening session also featured remarks from key judicial leaders, including Counselor Boulis Fahmy, President of the Supreme Constitutional Court, who highlighted the role of African Constitutional Judiciary in promoting social peace, democracy, good governance, and human rights.
Honourable Justice Hisham Badawy, Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament, who emphasized the Cairo conference as a constructive platform for sharing expertise among African constitutional institutions.
Honourable Adnan Fangari, Minister of Justice, who noted that the conference represents a significant continental framework for judicial cooperation amid global challenges.
The session was attended by other distinguished leaders, including Honourable Justice Jose Pina Delgado, President of the Cape Verde Constitutional Court, Honourable Justice Candido Conde Pumpida, President of the Spanish Constitutional Court, Honourable Justice Kadir Ozkaya, President of the Turkiye Constitutional Court and Honourable Justice Ali Mehnah, President of the Palestinian Constitutional Court.
