FREETOWN, November 7, 2025 — Tensions within Sierra Leone’s judiciary have escalated after Supreme Court Judge Justice Allan B. Halloway formally demanded the establishment of a Judicial Ethics Committee to investigate Chief Justice Komba Kamanda.
The call was made in a strongly worded letter alleging multiple breaches of judicial conduct.
In the correspondence, Justice Halloway accuses the Chief Justice of abusing his authority, violating human rights, and leading a coordinated attempt to remove him from the bench.
The dispute reportedly stems from an earlier complaint Halloway filed in August, in which he accused Justice Kamanda of constitutional and ethical violations.
Justice Halloway argues that his suspension on September 15 was a direct retaliation to that complaint. He insists the suspension was “unlawful,” claiming it was neither approved by the President nor properly authorized, but instead allegedly pushed through by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission under the Chief Justice’s directives.
His letter also alleges that following his interdiction, unauthorized individuals entered his chambers and removed personal belongings. Additionally, he claims the Chief Justice allowed damaging media reports targeting his character to circulate unchecked.
Beyond the personal accusations, Justice Halloway warns that recent changes at the Sierra Leone Law School under the Chief Justice’s leadership pose serious risks to legal education in the country.
He alleges foundational law courses have been removed from the curriculum, potentially producing underprepared legal practitioners and undermining the justice system.
Justice Halloway has given Chief Justice Kamanda seven days to initiate the formation of the Judicial Ethics Committee. Should there be no action, he says he will seek legal redress to compel compliance.
Copies of the letter have reportedly been distributed to national authorities, international organizations, and human rights groups, signaling the seriousness of the confrontation.
