The All People’s Congress (APC) Parliamentary Group has defended its decision to walk out of Parliament during the debate on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with Hon. Ibrahim Barrie arguing that the move was intended to protect the integrity of the country’s supreme law.
Speaking on the Mid-Day Show on Radio Democracy 98.1 FM on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, Hon. Barrie, the APC Member of Parliament representing Bombali District, explained the party’s concerns surrounding the passage of the constitutional amendment bill.
According to Hon. Barrie, the APC’s decision to leave the chamber was a deliberate constitutional position rather than an act of weakness, as the opposition lawmakers believed that certain provisions of the bill raised serious constitutional questions.
He acknowledged that the bill contains provisions the APC supports, including a proposal that would allow Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora who hold dual citizenship to contest for parliamentary seats and serve as ministers.
However, Hon. Barrie said the party was particularly concerned about Section 108, especially Section 108(3), which deals with amendments to entrenched provisions of the Constitution.
He argued that even where a constitutional amendment secures the required two-thirds majority in Parliament, certain entrenched provisions would still require approval through a referendum.
“Even if you have the two-thirds majority, you have to go again for a referendum,” Hon. Barrie asserted.
The APC lawmaker also questioned why the Speaker of Parliament did not refer the relevant constitutional provision to the Supreme Court for interpretation before proceeding with his ruling on the matter.
Hon. Barrie said Section 108, together with Standing Order 44(3), provides that a Bill seeking to alter provisions of the Constitution must receive support at both the Second and Third Readings from not less than two-thirds of all Members of Parliament, in accordance with the constitutional requirements governing entrenched provisions.
He maintained that the provision raised a significant constitutional question that, in his view, warranted interpretation by the Supreme Court before Parliament proceeded.
“Why did the Speaker fail to refer the relevant clause to the Supreme Court for interpretation, and then use the Court’s interpretation as the basis for his ruling?” Hon. Barrie questioned.
He further explained that APC MPs walked out because they did not want to participate in a process they believed could potentially amount to a violation of the Constitution, describing their decision as a matter of principle and constitutional responsibility.
The APC Parliamentary Group has maintained that its position is aimed at defending Sierra Leone’s constitutional order and democratic principles, insisting that constitutional amendments must strictly follow the procedures prescribed by the country’s supreme law.
The controversy surrounding the passage of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has consequently intensified debate over the interpretation of entrenched constitutional provisions, the powers of Parliament, and the role of the Supreme Court in resolving constitutional questions.
