By: Aminata Sesay
A renewed push for collaboration between Government and civil society is gaining momentum as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, positions partnership as the driving force behind justice sector reform.
At a high-level stakeholder engagement in Freetown, the Ministry of Justice opened discussions with leaders from across the NGO community, framing the meeting not merely as consultation but as a strategic alignment of efforts to improve service delivery within the justice system.
Rather than portraying Government and civil society as operating on parallel tracks, Sesay emphasized their shared roots and complementary responsibilities. He noted that many senior public officials previously served in the NGO sector experience he believes strengthens Government’s understanding of grassroots advocacy and development realities.
He rejected the notion that moving into public office represents a shift in allegiance, describing it instead as a transition from advocacy on the “demand side” to strengthening systems on the “supply side” ensuring institutions can effectively respond to citizens’ needs.
Central to the discussion was a comprehensive justice sector reform agenda aimed at modernizing legal frameworks, improving coordination across institutions, and tackling longstanding inefficiencies. Sesay stressed that the Office of the Attorney General plays a broader role than commonly perceived, extending beyond legal advisory duties to direct involvement in justice service delivery.
Reform efforts, he explained, are focused on reducing case backlogs, addressing systemic bottlenecks, and restoring public confidence in the justice system. He underscored that institutional strengthening must go together with policy reform to produce tangible results.
Civil society organizations were recognized as key partners in this transformation. From legal literacy campaigns to advocacy for vulnerable communities, NGOs continue to play a critical role in bridging the gap between institutions and citizens. Sesay noted that meaningful reform must be informed by the lived realities of those seeking justice.
The engagement forms part of a broader series of consultations designed to deepen trust, transparency, and coordination between Government and non-state actors. Observers view the initiative as a deliberate attempt by the Ministry of Justice to build consensus and ensure reforms are both inclusive and sustainable.
As dialogue continues, the Ministry’s message is clear: effective justice reform will depend not only on policy shifts within Government but also on sustained partnership with civil society to translate commitments into measurable improvements for citizens across Sierra Leone.