In a significant milestone marking the culmination of groundbreaking reforms within the Sierra Leonean judiciary, the World Justice Rule of Law Index Report has on October 30, 2023 positioned Sierra Leone ahead of Egypt, Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea, Uganda, Ethiopia, Mali, Cameroon, Sudan, Congo, Mozambique, Mauritania, and 22 other African nations. Sierra Leone now stands at the 18th position out of 34 African countries, showcasing the country’s substantial progress in the realm of justice.
On a global scale, Sierra Leone has surged past Mexico, Bolivia, Venezuela, Russia, Iran, Cambodia, Myanmar, Turkiye, Honduras, Haiti, and various other nations. This remarkable feat marks a significant departure from the past when the Sierra Leonean judiciary went unconsidered in international rankings.
In a world where the Global Rule of Law Index has documented the continual decline in the rule of law in most countries for the sixth consecutive year, Sierra Leone’s consistent progress stands as an exceptional accomplishment.
The drive for improved access to justice in Sierra Leone, under the stewardship of His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, has garnered widespread acclaim. The transformation of the judiciary, under Chief Justice Edwards’s leadership, reflects an unwavering dedication to the expeditious delivery of justice.
Commenting on the international recognition, Honorable Chief Justice Edwards humbly stated, “People are celebrating this remarkable gain, but I don’t need to celebrate because I’m just doing what is right. Our duty is to uphold the Constitution and to adjudicate over matters, civil and criminal, in order to promote national peace, security, and development.” He further emphasized, “We are ready to do more.”
The Global Rule of Law Index Report assessed Sierra Leone’s Civil and Criminal Justice system, as well as the protection of fundamental Human Rights for individuals accessing the Courts. For more detailed information, please visit the World Justice Project’s official website: www.worldjusticeproject.org.
