Freetown, May 26, 2025 — A mounting dispute between the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) and the Sierra Leone Judiciary has escalated following a recent statement by the rights-based advocacy group, warning of a deepening public crisis of confidence in the country’s judicial system.
Two days ago, CHRDI released a strongly worded statement highlighting growing concerns about corruption, inefficiency, and political interference within the judiciary.
The organization described the current state of the judiciary as “deeply troubling” and called for immediate reforms, increased transparency, and stronger accountability mechanisms.
Public Trust in Jeopardy
According to CHRDI, recent developments have revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the judiciary. The group cited allegations of bias, corruption, and a justice system plagued by delays and inefficiencies. The statement pointed to a lack of transparency in court proceedings and poor working conditions for judicial staff as further contributing to the erosion of public confidence.
Particularly alarming, CHRDI noted, are reports of undue political interference in judicial matters, which it says undermines the principle of independence and impartiality critical to the rule of law.
CHRDI’s Reform Demands
CHRDI is urging authorities to implement sweeping reforms, including:
* Structural changes to reinforce judicial independence.
* Transparent and efficient court procedures.
* A robust accountability framework to tackle corruption.
* Public engagement initiatives to restore faith in the justice system.
Abdul M. Fatoma, Chief Executive of CHRDI, emphasized that judicial independence is not a privilege for the bench but a right owed to every citizen seeking justice. Quoting the UN Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary, Fatoma highlighted that the growing distrust is rooted in the public’s lived reality.
Judiciary Responds, CHRDI Pushes Back
The Sierra Leone Judiciary, in a press release dated Sunday, May 25, pushed back against CHRDI’s claims, describing the organization’s earlier statement as “malicious” and “blackmailing.” In response, CHRDI refuted the allegations and accused the judiciary of attempting to deflect from the real issues facing the justice sector.
“We categorically reject any claims of blackmail,” CHRDI stated. “Our focus is on the truth—on the real struggles Sierra Leoneans face when seeking justice.”
Citing Serious Allegations
CHRDI cited multiple examples to support its claims:
* Ongoing investigations into senior officials at the High Court’s Master and Registrar office, accused of issuing fake court orders.
* Suspension of judiciary staff, including the Supreme Court Registrar, over corruption allegations.
* Reports that the Chief Justice’s office has improperly withdrawn cases from lower courts, contravening legal statutes.
In addition, CHRDI raised concerns over the recruitment of magistrates without proper qualifications or interviews, pointing to one recent appointee who only completed legal pupillage last year. These irregularities, the organization says, highlight a lack of due process and fairness in judicial appointments.
Efficiency in Question
According to CHRDI, more than 2,000 cases remain pending in the courts—some unresolved for over two years. One notable case in Bo District (CC24/2021-A) has been stalled since 2022. In another case, a judge allegedly involved in a personal scandal with a student caused a public altercation within court premises, further tarnishing the judiciary’s image.
Information Access and Digital Claims Disputed
CHRDI also challenged the Judiciary’s claim of implementing a digital case tracking system, asserting that no official data has been made available to the public since October 2024. The group accused the Judiciary of misrepresenting incomplete projects as fully operational systems, a move it called “dishonest.”
Final Warning and Commitment to Action
CHRDI has vowed to continue exposing misconduct within the Judiciary. It called on the institution to retract accusations of blackmail and instead engage in constructive dialogue and reform.
“No one in the judiciary is above the law,” the organization emphasized. “Insisting on independence does not absolve judicial officers of accountability.”
CHRDI says it will release additional findings in the coming weeks, including details on magistrate appointments allegedly made without the oversight of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.
As the standoff intensifies, the eyes of the nation—and of civil society—remain fixed on the Judiciary’s next move.
