The Honourable Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Komba Kamanda, is participating alongside colleague Chief Justices from across the Commonwealth at the 20th Triennial Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges’ Association (CMJA) Conference currently underway in Banjul, The Gambia. The week-long conference, which began on Sunday, 21st September 2025, will conclude on Friday, 26th September, under the theme: “Combating Corruption and Promoting Accountability in the Judicial Sector.”
The CMJA Conference is regarded as a premier gathering for judicial leaders from 54 Commonwealth nations, providing a platform to deliberate on pressing issues affecting justice systems across member states. This year’s theme addresses global concerns about strengthening judicial accountability, tackling corruption and reinforcing judicial independence in an increasingly complex governance environment.
Chief Justice Komba Kamanda’s participation underscores Sierra Leone’s firm commitment to judicial reforms, transparency and good governance. His presence is viewed as a significant step in strengthening international collaboration and sharing knowledge on strategies to improve justice delivery.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda emphasized the importance of peer learning and cooperation. “The knowledge and experiences shared at the CMJA Conference will contribute to ongoing reforms and capacity-building under my watch. At the end of the conference, we would continue to ensure that justice is not only done, but seen to be done,” he stated.
The conference discussions cover critical issues such as addressing case backlogs, embracing technology in justice delivery, developing anti-corruption frameworks and strengthening judicial impartiality. It also presents opportunities for Sierra Leone’s judiciary to build stronger partnerships with Commonwealth counterparts and learn from global best practices.
Observers note that the 2025 CMJA theme aligns with Chief Justice Komba Kamanda’s longstanding advocacy for judicial independence and his emphasis on continuous professional development for judicial officers. Under his leadership, Sierra Leone’s judiciary has prioritized reforms aimed at improving access to justice, restoring public confidence and upholding the rule of law without compromise.
In line with his policy on gender equality and empowerment, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda is accompanied by three female judges, Hon. Justices Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi (JSC), Jamesina King (JA), and Tonia Barnett (JA), alongside two male judges. According to him, this initiative seeks to empower women within the judiciary and position them more prominently on the international stage. “I want to close the gender disparity,” he affirmed.
Founded in 1970, the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges’ Association remains the only international body bringing together judicial officers at all levels across the Commonwealth. Its mission is to advance the administration of justice by promoting judicial independence and fostering professional excellence.
As deliberations continue in Banjul, Sierra Leone’s participation is expected to spotlight its ongoing reform agenda and reaffirm the judiciary’s role as a cornerstone of democratic governance.
