Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has paid a courtesy visit to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he engaged the Ambassador and staff of the Mission on constitutional reforms and the country’s approach to artificial intelligence governance.
The visit took place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during Sesay’s four-day visit to Riyadh for the 4th UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.
The forum, held from September 14 to 17, brought together governments, policymakers, experts and other stakeholders to discuss ethical AI governance and international cooperation.
Introducing the Attorney-General, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Barrie, welcomed Sesay to the Mission and commended him for making time to visit the Embassy despite his engagements in Riyadh.
Ambassador Barrie also highlighted what he described as some of Sesay’s achievements since his appointment as Attorney-General and principal legal adviser to the Government.
He specifically referenced provisions in the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act 2025 relating to the eligibility of Sierra Leoneans with dual citizenship to contest parliamentary elections.
Speaking during the engagement, Sesay outlined several provisions of the constitutional amendment and explained the safeguards attached to the eligibility of dual citizens seeking parliamentary office.
He said the amendment was intended to expand political participation among Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, while noting that eligible dual citizens must meet specified residency and tax requirements.
The Attorney-General also discussed the introduction of the Proportional Representation system, describing it as one of the most debated provisions of the constitutional reforms.
He said the matter had been referred to the Supreme Court for interpretation, while explaining that the system was intended to promote regional cohesion and broaden participation in the democratic process.
Sesay further highlighted changes to the presidential election threshold, which provide for a candidate to obtain a simple majority of valid votes, alongside other constitutional requirements. The amended constitutional provision provides for a simple majority as well as a minimum 20 percent of valid votes in at least two-thirds of the districts.
He also referenced provisions relating to gender equality and women’s participation in political and economic life, including measures addressing women’s access to property and representation in elective positions.
Turning to artificial intelligence, Sesay said Sierra Leone had decided not to rush into enacting specific legislation on AI.
“We want to get it right,” he said, stressing the need for the country to be properly informed and guided before introducing legislation governing artificial intelligence.
The Attorney-General’s participation in the Riyadh forum comes as international policymakers continue discussions on developing ethical and effective frameworks for AI governance. UNESCO said the 2026 forum focused on strengthening the implementation of its Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and building national capacities for responsible AI governance.
Sesay said he was pleased to visit the Embassy during his first trip to Saudi Arabia and thanked Ambassador Barrie, Deputy Ambassador Abdul Aziz Turay and staff of the Mission for the reception accorded to him and his State Counsel, Alpha Amadu Bah.
Minister Counsellor and Head of Chancery, Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabba, delivered the welcome remarks, while Counsellor Victor Kamara gave the closing courtesies.
At the end of the meeting, Ambassador Barrie presented the Attorney-General with copies of the fifth edition of the Embassy Newsletter and Volume Two of Goodies of the Bio Presidency.
Sesay thanked the Ambassador and the Mission, describing the publications as a record of the Embassy’s outreach activities and the Government’s reported achievements.
