By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone has taken another significant step in advancing justice sector reforms and strengthening its commitment to international legal standards following the ratification of two key international instruments by Parliament on Tuesday, 9 June 2026.
The ratified agreements are the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aimed at the abolition of the death penalty. The ratification reinforces the country’s efforts to promote peaceful dispute resolution, human rights protection, and international cooperation.
Presenting the instruments before Parliament, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Alpha Sesay, described both agreements as important milestones in Sierra Leone’s legal and institutional development.
He explained that membership in the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) would provide Sierra Leone with access to an alternative mechanism for resolving international commercial, investment, and other disputes through mediation, offering a more cost-effective and flexible approach compared to traditional litigation and arbitration.
According to the Minister, participation in this framework is expected to enhance investor confidence, reduce dispute resolution costs, and create professional opportunities for Sierra Leoneans in the field of mediation.
During the debate, Members of Parliament from both sides of the House welcomed the agreements, noting their potential to strengthen Sierra Leone’s international reputation and promote the peaceful resolution of disputes. Lawmakers also emphasized the importance of the Second Optional Protocol as a reflection of the country’s commitment to the protection of fundamental human rights and the global movement toward the abolition of the death penalty.
Concluding the debate, Parliament endorsed both instruments, describing them as progressive measures aligned with Sierra Leone’s democratic values, justice sector reforms, and broader national development agenda.
The ratification of the two treaties further positions Sierra Leone as a country committed to peaceful conflict resolution, international legal cooperation, and the promotion of human dignity and human rights.