The Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) has called on Parliament, the Judiciary, President Julius Maada Bio and other national stakeholders to exercise restraint and ensure that ongoing constitutional amendment proceedings are guided by national interest, constitutional principles and respect for citizens’ views.
Reckonably, IRCSL said it is closely following the ongoing constitutional amendment process and stressed that any changes to Sierra Leone’s supreme law must be handled with “the highest degree of responsibility, transparency and national consciousness.”
In that lieu, they commended both Government, led by the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), and opposition All People’s Congress (APC) for their engagement under the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) following concerns surrounding the 2023 general elections.
That engagement subsequently contributed to establishment of a Tripartite Committee comprising Government, APC and Development Partners.
IRCSL notes that committee produced a report containing 80 recommendations aimed at strengthening governance and democracy while ensuring that Sierra Leone’s electoral processes remain free, fair, transparent and credible.
Meanwhile, IRCSL says it participated in consultations preceding the constitutional amendment process and is reiterating the importance of giving due consideration to views and recommendations expressed by both Council and citizens during those consultations.
At the same time, it urges political actors to rise above partisan interests during what it describes as a critical period for Sierra Leone.
“We must all draw on our patriotism, commitment to national peace and prosperity with the ultimate objective of concluding the Constitutional Amendments in the best interests of the people of Sierra Leone.”
Of particular concern to IRCSL is what it describes as the current stalemate surrounding constitutional requirements for proposed amendments or alterations.
Council reminds Parliament and citizens that Sierra Leone’s Constitution is the supreme law of the land and the fundamental framework for governance of the state.
It stresses that Constitution belongs to the people of Sierra Leone and must not be treated as the property or instrument of any political party, whether in Government, in Parliament or outside Parliament.
Beyond current political disagreements, IRCSL says constitutional changes carry implications for both present and future generations.
Consequently, it maintains that any amendment or alteration must be undertaken strictly in accordance with Constitution itself, with due regard for “the legitimate views and aspirations expressed by the people of Sierra Leone.”
For its part, IRCSL is calling on Parliament, Judiciary, President Julius Maada Bio and all other relevant stakeholders to act in what it describes as a “God-fearing manner.”
Such action, according to Council, should be guided by national interest, constitutional principles and due consideration of views expressed by Sierra Leoneans.
More significantly, IRCSL is urging Parliament to reconvene and continue deliberations on outstanding issues.
The objective, it says, should be to find common ground and arrive at a constructive and nationally acceptable consensus, while fully respecting constitutional procedures governing the amendment process.
Adding to its appeal, IRCSL says Sierra Leone must approach current disagreement through dialogue, mutual respect and a commitment to peace.
As a faith-based body committed to peace, national unity and the wellbeing of Sierra Leone, Council says it is praying for God to grant Parliamentarians “wisdom, humility, mutual respect and the grace to love one another,” extending that spirit to citizens they represent.
Looking ahead, IRCSL says responsibility for protecting Sierra Leone’s constitutional process does not rest with one political party or institution alone.
Its message is that Constitution belongs to all Sierra Leoneans, and any process for amending it must ultimately serve national peace, stability, democracy and development.
“Sierra Leone belongs to all of us, and the constitutional process must ultimately serve the peace, stability, democracy and development of the nation.”
Taken together, IRCSL’s intervention adds a strong voice from Sierra Leone’s religious community to growing calls for restraint, dialogue and constitutional fidelity as debate over proposed amendments continues.
Rather than taking a partisan position on competing political arguments, Council is urging Parliament and other stakeholders to return to dialogue, address outstanding issues and seek a consensus capable of commanding broad national confidence.
For Sierra Leoneans, IRCSL’s statement places emphasis on a wider question: how can constitutional reform proceed in a manner that protects democratic institutions, respects legitimate differences and preserves public confidence in the country’s supreme law?
Council concludes with an appeal for national unity:
“Long Live the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone!”
“Long Live the People of Sierra Leone!”