The African Climate Platform (ACP) has welcomed Sierra Leone’s ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, describing the move as a historic milestone that strengthens the country’s commitment to human rights, the rule of law and climate justice across Africa.
In a statement issued on 16 July 2026, the continental coalition congratulated President Julius Maada Bio for leading Sierra Leone’s accession to the Protocol and praised Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, for steering the domestic legislative process that culminated in Parliament’s ratification of the legal instrument. The ACP noted that Sierra Leone’s decision comes at a symbolic time as the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights marks two decades of operations since its establishment in 2006.
According to the organisation, Sierra Leone’s ratification demonstrates the country’s determination to reinforce Africa’s human rights architecture and promote the rule of law. The ACP maintained that the decision reflects renewed support for the principles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights while strengthening continental efforts to protect vulnerable populations and uphold fundamental freedoms.
The African Climate Platform further observed that the ratification is particularly significant because of the pending request before the African Court seeking an advisory opinion on the obligations of African states in addressing climate change. It recalled that in May 2025, the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), working with the ACP, submitted an application requesting clarification of states’ human rights obligations in responding to climate change. The organisation argued that climate-related disasters, including droughts, floods and rising temperatures, continue to threaten the rights to life, health, food, development and a satisfactory environment across the continent.
The ACP stated that Sierra Leone’s ratification will enhance the legitimacy and authority of the African Court in issuing advisory opinions on major continental issues while strengthening the Court’s standing as a credible judicial institution. It added that if Sierra Leone subsequently deposits the declaration under Article 34(6) of the Protocol, individuals and non-governmental organisations would gain direct access to the Court to seek justice for human rights violations, including those linked to climate change. The organisation described such a development as transformative for vulnerable communities both in Sierra Leone and across Africa.
Leading climate justice advocates from across the continent also welcomed Sierra Leone’s decision. Alfred Bronwell, Lead Campaigner of the African Climate Platform, described the ratification as a shift from voluntary climate commitments to legally enforceable obligations, arguing that it strengthens accountability for climate action and sets an important example for countries within the Mano River Union, ECOWAS and the African Union. ACP Chairperson Fatima Diallo equally praised Sierra Leone’s leadership, saying the move demonstrates the type of accountability Africa needs in confronting the climate crisis.
Environmental rights lawyer and ACP Sierra Leone Chapter campaigner, Mucktarr Raschid Esq., welcomed the Government’s initiative, stating that the African Court complements national judicial systems by providing an additional avenue for justice where domestic remedies have been exhausted or prove ineffective. He noted that ratifying the Protocol reinforces Sierra Leone’s human rights framework and expands access to justice for its citizens.
Journalist and rights advocate, Aminata Finda Massaquoi described the ratification as a significant step towards linking environmental protection with judicial accountability, while Esther Kandeh of Women on Mining and Extractive Industries said Sierra Leone had demonstrated bold leadership by transforming environmental rights into enforceable human rights through international legal mechanisms.
The African Climate Platform, a coalition of more than 100 African civil society organisations, climate advocates, human rights lawyers, Indigenous communities, women’s groups and youth movements, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a unified African voice on climate policy and environmental justice while congratulating Sierra Leone on what it described as a landmark contribution to the continent’s human rights and climate governance agenda.
