The Chief Justice of Sierra Leone who also serves as the Chairman ECOWAS Judicial Council, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has successfully elevated Sierra Leone’s Judiciary on the international stage at the Ninth Cairo High-Level Meeting of the Presidents of African Constitutional Courts, Supreme Courts, and Constitutional Councils where he became the only Chief Justice selected to speak on behalf of his counterpart Chief Justices in the sub-region, comprising fifteen countries, including Ghana and Nigeria.
This recognition is a testament to the transformative judicial reforms he has championed in just a year which has repositioned 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 meaningful discussions on constitutional issues.
Delivering one of the most commendable speeches on the theme, ‘Challenges Facing Constitutional Justice in Africa,’ Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda underscored the role of the Supreme Constitutional Courts as the ultimate guardians of the rule of law and protectors of human rights.
He affirmed that Supreme Constitutional Courts must continue serve as the bastion of the rule of law and to protect the rights of every human being. He also clearly mentioned that, “the Supreme Constitutional Courts must continue to 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 process of the Supreme Court.”
He further stated that the independence of the Judiciary is an important step in protecting the rule of law and good governance.
The Honourable Chief Justice concluded that the Constitution is a living instrument and must be kept alive at all times.
He was commended not only for excelling as the youngest Chief Justice, but also for his continued representation of Africa on important global platforms.
While in Egypt, the Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda was honoured with one of the country’s most prestigious Awards for his commitment to promoting rule of law and the administration of justice.
The Bar Association Award was received on his behalf by Supreme Court Judge, Honourable Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi, as Chief Justice Komba Kamanda continues to attract global and local recognition for his leadership and commitment to justice.
Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda was accompanied by Supreme Court Judge, Honourable Justice Alusine Sesay.
The President of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Counselor Boulis Fahmy, during the opening session affirmed that the African Constitutional Judiciary has played a pivotal role in promoting social peace, strengthening democracy, good governance, and social stability, alongside establishing the principles of rights, freedoms, and social justice across the continent.
He praised President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s commitment to sponsoring of the Cairo conference throughout its sessions, noting that this patronage has provided the conference with significant momentum and weight.
On his part, the Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament, Honourable Justice Hisham Badawy, said that the Cairo conference has become a fundamental pillar of justice and a constructive platform for sharing expertise among constitutional institutions in Africa.
The Minister of Justice, Honourable Adnan Fangari, stated that the meeting represents an important continental framework given special priority by the state to strengthen African partnerships. He pointed out that the gathering comes amid increasing global challenges, making judicial cooperation more essential than ever.
The opening session was graced by the President of the Cape Verde Constitutional Court-Honourable Justice Jose Pina Delgado, the President of the Spanish Constitutional Court-Honourable Justice Candido Conde Pumpida, the President of the Turkiye Constitutional Court-Honourable Justice Kadir Ozkaya and the President of the Palestinian Constitutional Court- Honourable Justice Ali Mehnah among host of other world leaders.
© Judiciary Communications and Public Affairs Unit
