In a historic judicial development, the Court of Appeal of Sierra Leone convened its first-ever circuit court sitting in the South-Eastern Region, marking a significant step in the decentralization of the country’s justice system.
The event, held in Kenema City, brought together senior members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, traditional authorities, security officials, and local administrators.
The sitting was convened under the direction of the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda, as part of the Judiciary’s ongoing reform agenda to make justice more accessible, timely, and affordable for all citizens.
Chief Justice Kamanda emphasized that, historically, litigants from the South-Eastern Region were required to travel to Freetown to pursue appeals, creating undue financial and logistical burdens.
The circuit sitting, he stated, represents a milestone in the administration of justice and a commitment to bringing judicial services closer to the people.
The court is scheduled to hear and determine 34 appeals originating from the region during this session, a measure intended to reduce backlog and expedite the resolution of cases.
In his welcome remarks, the Resident High Court Judge, Hon. Justice Abdul Sheriff, acknowledged the judiciary’s decision to hold the session in Kenema as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and enhanced public confidence in the justice system.
The Mayor of Kenema City, Thomas Baio, and local traditional leaders, including the Paramount Chief of Nongowa Chiefdom, P.C. Sadique Kapuwa, and the Town Chief of Kenema, Momoh Ngombulango, commended the initiative and pledged full cooperation with the judiciary.
Security arrangements for the session were outlined by the Assistant Inspector General of Police for the East, AIG Francis Meindey, who assured attendees that adequate measures had been put in place to maintain law and order and ensure a safe and orderly court session.
The opening ceremony was chaired by the Master and Registrar, Lloyd Hindolo Jusu, and was widely regarded by stakeholders and residents as a historic milestone in promoting access to justice and strengthening the rule of law in Sierra Leone.
This initiative underscores the judiciary’s commitment to decentralization, efficient case management, and equitable access to appellate justice across the provinces.
