By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Taking a major step toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s justice system and protecting survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Chief Justice Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, on Friday, October 17, 2025, officially commissioned a new Sexual Offences Model Court in Makeni City, Bombali District.
The newly inaugurated facility is part of the Judiciary’s broader initiative to enhance access to justice and ensure perpetrators of sexual crimes are held accountable. It follows the recent establishment of a similar court in Bo City, demonstrating the Chief Justice’s unwavering commitment to fighting sexual violence across the country.
Chief Justice Komba Kamanda described the commissioning as a milestone in the Judiciary’s effort to ensure justice is both swift and sensitive. “This court will deliver fair and timely justice in sexual offence cases, protect the rights and dignity of survivors and strengthen our overall criminal justice system,” he said.
The Makeni Model Court boasts a fully equipped registry, a judge’s chamber, a victim-protection witness box, a prepping room and a child-friendly waiting area fitted with television sets. To help young survivors feel safe and at ease, the court will also provide toys, flowers and educational materials before proceedings begin.
Appealing for proactive community involvement, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda urged stakeholders in Bombali District, through the host Paramount Chief, to focus on education and awareness campaigns to prevent sexual violence. “Let’s prevent it rather than focus on the cure, which can never undo the damage caused to the child,” he emphasized.
He expressed profound gratitude to UNICEF for its continued partnership and support to the Judiciary, calling for more collaboration in replicating Sexual Offences Model Courts in other parts of the country.
The event was hosted by the Resident High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Abubakarr Sannoh, who hailed the initiative as “timely and transformative,” noting that the court would address long-standing challenges faced by survivors seeking justice.
Present at the ceremony were members of the Judiciary’s high-powered delegation, including Supreme Court Justices Alusine Sesay (JSC), Abdullah M. Bangura (JSC) and Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi (JSC); Court of Appeal Justices Jamesina King (JA), MP Mami (JA), Tonia Barnett (JA), Alfred T. Ganda (JA) and Simeon Allieu (JA); as well as High Court Judges Manuela AJ Harding and AK Musa. Also in attendance were Senior Management staff, including Deputy Master and Registrar, Lloyd H. Jusu, Director of Communications Elkass Sannoh and Accountant Ezekiel Ganawa.
Paramount Chief of Gbanti Chiefdom, Honourable PC Massa Yeli Tharm III, lauded the Judiciary’s initiative as a historic moment for Bombali District and pledged his full support to help protect women and children from sexual violence.
Representing UNICEF, Child Protection Specialist, Nassal Millicent Kebbie, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting access to justice for children. “For UNICEF, access to justice is not an abstract principle; it is the right of every child. When children and families can trust the system to protect them, it strengthens the fabric of society,” she affirmed.
Other dignitaries, including the Resident Minister for the North-East Region, Ibrahim Jalloh, pledged the Government’s continued collaboration with the Judiciary to eliminate Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across Sierra Leone.
Just two days before the Makeni commissioning, Kono District held a colourful homecoming ceremony in honour of Chief Justice Komba Kamanda in Tankoro Chiefdom. The event, attended by all fourteen Paramount Chiefs of Kono District, celebrated his appointment as the first Chief Justice from the Kono tribe; an achievement the Chiefs described as historic and unifying.
Speaking at the Sahr Fillie Faboe Hall, Paramount Chief, Alie Musa, of Mafindor Chiefdom expressed collective gratitude to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for what he called “a moment of pride and inspiration” for the Kono people. “We are very pleased to welcome our son, our brother and his delegation from Freetown,” he said.
Honourable Paramount Chief and Member of Parliament, PN Saquee, added, “Kono is blessed and Soa and Nimikoro Chiefdoms are especially blessed to have produced the Chief Justice. We thank President Bio sincerely.”
Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Sonia Sarah Komba Kamanda, their daughters and several senior members of the Judiciary, received a rousing welcome from his kinsmen. The event highlighted Kono’s unity, gratitude and growing influence in Sierra Leone’s national development.
Both the Kono homecoming and the Makeni commissioning symbolize the Chief Justice’s dynamic leadership, one rooted in accessibility, inclusivity and reform, to ensure justice serves every Sierra Leonean, regardless of geography or background.
