The Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) has called on Parliament and all political stakeholders to resolve the ongoing stalemate over proposed constitutional amendments, stressing that the Constitution must be handled with the highest level of responsibility and national consciousness.
The Council made the call in a press statement issued on August 17, 2026, in which it commended the Government, led by the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) for reaching the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) following disputes surrounding the 2023 national elections.
The IRCSL said the agreement subsequently led to the establishment of the Tripartite Committee, comprising the Government, APC and development partners, which produced a report containing 80 recommendations aimed at strengthening governance and democracy in Sierra Leone.
According to the Council, the recommendations are intended to support reforms that will ensure the country’s electoral processes are free, fair, transparent and credible.
The IRCSL identified the ongoing constitutional amendment process as an important component of the broader national reform agenda. It noted that it participated in consultations preceding the amendment process and urged authorities to give due consideration to the views and recommendations expressed by citizens and the Council during those engagements.
The Council also commended Members of Parliament for their active participation in the amendment process, while urging political leaders to put national interests above partisan considerations.
“At critical times like this, we must all draw on our patriotism, commitment to national peace and prosperity,” the Council said, stressing that the ultimate objective should be to conclude the constitutional amendments in the best interests of the people of Sierra Leone.
However, the IRCSL expressed grave concern over what it described as the current stalemate in Parliament regarding the constitutional requirements for the proposed amendments or alterations.
The Council reminded Parliament and the public that the Constitution is the supreme law of Sierra Leone and provides the fundamental framework for the governance of the state.
It stressed that the Constitution belongs to the people of Sierra Leone and should not be treated as the property or instrument of any political party, whether in government, Parliament or outside Parliament.
The IRCSL further warned that constitutional decisions have implications not only for the present generation but also for future generations.
It therefore called for any amendment or alteration to the Constitution to be undertaken strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions, while taking into account the legitimate views and aspirations expressed by the people of Sierra Leone.
The Council urged all stakeholders to approach the process with transparency, responsibility and a strong commitment to preserving national peace, democratic governance and the long-term interests of the country.
