Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, recently received His Excellency Ali Ibrahim Alheji, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Sierra Leone, at his chambers located in the Law Court Building in Freetown. This meeting underscored the enduring and unique bilateral relations between the two nations, with both parties expressing a desire to enhance cooperation for mutual benefit.
During his welcome address, Chief Justice Kamanda emphasized the importance of the longstanding relationship between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia. He articulated his hope that these ties would not only persist but also strengthen over time, serving the interests of both countries. The Chief Justice reaffirmed the Judiciary’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice, which he identified as a cornerstone for maintaining peace, fostering development, and ensuring national unity.
As part of the meeting, Chief Justice Kamanda introduced several judges who were present, highlighting that a number of them practice the Muslim faith. This representation reflects Sierra Leone’s rich tradition of religious tolerance and integration, a value that is deeply entrenched in the nation’s social fabric. He took the opportunity to inform Ambassador Alheji about the Judiciary’s annual Assize Service, which includes both a Muslim service on Fridays and a Christian service on Sundays. Additionally, he acknowledged the substantial contributions made by the Saudi Arabian government towards infrastructure development and capacity building, particularly through the construction of mosques and the provision of academic scholarships for deserving students.
Supreme Court Judge Hon. Justice Alusine Sesay also expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Alheji for initiating this important meeting. He noted that this was the first engagement between the Saudi Arabian Ambassador and the Judiciary, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship. Justice Sesay highlighted the ongoing reforms within the Judiciary and called for support to address various challenges facing the institution.
In his response, Ambassador Alhaji assured the Judiciary of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to collaborate with Sierra Leone in strengthening its justice sector. He proposed the development of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize this cooperation, suggesting that a technical team be established to oversee its implementation. The Ambassador also expressed appreciation for Sierra Leone’s support for the upcoming Expo 2030 and the World Cup.
Court of Appeal Judges Hon. Justices Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi, Tonia Barnett, and Momoh-Jah Stevens, who were also present, emphasized the need for further assistance, particularly in areas such as information technology, solar power, and infrastructure development.
In closing, Chief Justice Kamanda reiterated the Judiciary’s focus on digitization, infrastructure enhancement, and the establishment of virtual court systems, aligning with his vision of modernizing judicial operations. He assured Ambassador Alhaji of the Judiciary’s intention to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to advance the proposed partnership. He expressed optimism that the relationship between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia would continue to flourish, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s openness and liberal approach.
