Freetown, 17 August 2026 — The Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) has raised serious concern about the current deadlock in Parliament over plans to change the Constitution. The Council is urging everyone involved to put the country first and follow the proper rules.
In a statement released today, the IRCSL, which speaks for Muslims, Christians and other religious groups across Sierra Leone, praised both the ruling SLPP government and the opposition APC for signing the Agreement for National Unity after the 2023 elections. That agreement led to the creation of the Tripartite Committee, made up of the government, the APC and international partners.
The Committee produced a report with 80 recommendations. These aim to improve how the country is governed, strengthen democracy, and make sure elections are free, fair, open and trustworthy.
The Council said the process of changing the Constitution is an important part of these reforms. It took part in the earlier public discussions and wants the views of ordinary citizens and religious leaders to be properly considered.
The IRCSL also thanked Members of Parliament for taking an active part in the process so far. It said this is a time for patriotism and a real commitment to peace and progress, so that any changes to the Constitution truly benefit the people of Sierra Leone.
However, the Council expressed deep worry about the current stalemate in Parliament over the legal requirements needed to make the changes.
It reminded everyone that the Constitution is the highest law in the land. It belongs to all Sierra Leoneans and should never be treated as the property of any political party.
Any changes must follow the rules set out in the Constitution itself. They must also respect the genuine wishes of the people. Because the Constitution affects both today’s citizens and future generations, it must be handled with great care, openness and a sense of national responsibility.
The Inter-Religious Council called on Parliament, the courts, President Julius Maada Bio, and all other stakeholders to act with integrity. They should be guided by what is best for the nation, by the Constitution, and by the views of the people.
The Council specifically asked Parliament to meet again, continue talks on the remaining issues, and work towards an agreement that most Sierra Leoneans can accept, while strictly following the proper legal steps.
As a faith-based organisation, the IRCSL prayed that God/Allah would give Members of Parliament wisdom, humility, mutual respect and the ability to treat one another with love, and to extend that same care to the people they represent.
“Sierra Leone belongs to all of us,” the statement said. “The process of changing the Constitution must help bring peace, stability, democracy and development to our nation.”
The statement was signed by His Grace Dr. Edward Tamba Charles (President), Alhaji Murtada Mohamed Sesay (Vice President 1), and Rev. Dr. Usman Jesse Fomah (General Secretary).
