The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) has held a strategic engagement with key Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to validate the Terms of Reference (ToRs) guiding the newly established RAIC-CSO Access to Information (ATI) Coalition. The meeting, which took place on April 15, 2026, at RAIC Headquarters, 6B Middle Hill Cut Road in Freetown, marked the second formal interaction since the coalition’s formation.
Addressing participants, the Chairman and Information Commissioner, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, emphasized the critical role of sustained collaboration between RAIC and civil society in promoting transparency, accountability and citizens’ access to information across Sierra Leone. He also welcomed the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) as the newest member of the coalition, noting that its inclusion would further strengthen the coalition’s advocacy reach.
Speaking on behalf of civil society, Charles Keif Kobai reflected on the coalition’s evolution, highlighting the collective commitment and coordinated efforts that led to the establishment of a unified platform aimed at enhancing the implementation of the Right to Access Information framework.
The engagement brought together representatives from prominent CSOs, including Transparency International Sierra Leone, Budget Advocacy Network, Centre for Human Rights and Development International, Network Movement for Youth and Children’s Welfare, Forward Sierra Leone and the newly admitted CGG.
Discussions during the meeting focused on reviewing and validating the coalition’s Terms of Reference, which outline key areas of collaboration between RAIC and CSOs. These include enhancing public awareness and media sensitization on the Right to Access Information law, strengthening capacity through peer learning and adoption of international best practices, coordinating joint fundraising and project implementation and improving collaboration in the execution of ATI-related activities. The framework also emphasizes reinforcing the enforcement of Proactive Disclosure of Information (PDI) and Freedom of Information in line with the provisions of the RAI Act of 2013.
As part of the agreed next steps, RAIC will develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of both the Commission and participating CSOs. The Commission also plans to establish a structured roster to facilitate CSO participation in its “RAIC Hour” programme, while supporting the broader dissemination of press releases and landmark decisions.
Looking ahead to the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) and the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2026, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw underscored the importance of linking the RAIC-CSO ATI Coalition with international networks and partners working within the access to information space. He noted that RAIC will share relevant conference themes to encourage active participation by civil society actors.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both RAIC and its civil society partners to deepen collaboration and expand public awareness of access to information, which stakeholders described as a vital pillar of democratic governance in Sierra Leone.
