Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has officially commissioned a new Sexual Offences Model Court in Makeni City on 18th October, 2025. This initiative highlights his ongoing commitment to enhancing access to justice and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are held accountable for their crimes.
In his address, the Chief Justice explained that the newly commissioned court in Makeni is designed to provide fair and timely justice in sexual offence cases, protect the rights and dignity of survivors, and improve the overall efficiency of the criminal justice system in tackling sexual violence.
This new court follows the recent commissioning of a similar facility in Bo City. The Makeni court is equipped with specialized facilities, including a dedicated registry, judge’s chambers, a victim-protection witness box, a prepping section, a child-friendly waiting room, and a television. The Chief Justice further revealed that the court would offer toys, flowers, and educational materials to create a comforting and engaging environment for child survivors before their court proceedings begin.
During the keynote address, Chief Justice Kamanda appealed to the people of Bombali District through the host Paramount Chief to prioritize community education and public sensitization as critical components of prevention. As he stated, “Let’s focus on prevention rather than the cure, which can never undo the damage caused to a child.”
He also expressed his gratitude to UNICEF for their continued support of the Judiciary and urged the organization to extend its support to establish additional Sexual Offences Model Courts across Sierra Leone.
The event was hosted by Honourable Justice Abubakarr Sannoh, the Resident High Court Judge, who welcomed the Chief Justice and his high-level delegation, which included his wife, Nrs. Sonia Sarah Komba Kamanda, and several senior justices from various courts. These included:
Supreme Court Justices: Honourable Justices Alusine Sesay, Abdullah M. Bangura, and Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi. Court of Appeal Judges: Honourable Justices Jamesina King, MP Mami, Tonia Barnett, Alfred T. Ganda, and Simeon Allieu.
High Court Judges: Honourable Justices Manuela AJ Harding and AK Musa.
Senior management staff from the Judiciary were also part of the delegation.
Justice Sannoh called the commissioning event “appropriately timely,” noting the significant challenges survivors have faced in the past, particularly the lack of adequate protection when attending court.
The Paramount Chief of Gbanti Chiefdom, Honourable PC Massa Yeli Tharm III, expressed his appreciation for the historic occasion, calling it a momentous day for his Chiefdom. He stressed the vital role of traditional leaders in combating sexual violence at the community level and pledged his full support for the work of the newly commissioned Sexual Offences Model Court.
On behalf of UNICEF, Child Protection Specialist Nassal Millicent Kebbie reiterated the organization’s commitment to child justice. She emphasized, “For UNICEF, access to justice is not an abstract principle; it’s the right of the child. When children and families can trust the system to protect them, it strengthens the fabric of society.” She reaffirmed UNICEF’s ongoing partnership with the Judiciary to ensure that justice is delivered, not just written in law.
Other speakers, including Resident Minister for the North-East Region, Mr. Ibrahim Jalloh, pledged continued collaboration with the Judiciary to help eliminate violence and abuse against women and children.
