PARLIAMENT RATIFIES CONVENTION ON MEDIATION & PROTOCOL ON DEATH PENALTY

The Parliament of Sierra Leone debated and ratified two international conventions on Tuesday, 9TH June 2026, to support development and reforms in the justice sector. The following Convention and Protocol were ratified by Parliament: Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed)  (2020) and Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Aiming at the Abolition of the Death Penalty, adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly Resolution 44, 128 of 15 December 1989.

Presenting, the Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., said both the convention and the optional protocol were key for Sierra Leone’s development and progress. The Minister went on to assure Members of Parliament on the Mediation Convention and on that of the Optional Protocol on the Abolition of Death Penalty.

Stressing on the purpose of domesticating the IOMed, he said it was aimed at settling international commercial, investment, and other disputes through mediation. He assured Parliament that the Convention was aligned with the UN Charter, its principles and Sierra Leone’s foreign policy objectives. Underscoring the benefits of the Convention, the Minister told Members of Parliament that the aforesaid was a reliable and cost-effective alternative to litigation/arbitration. He also informed the House that the Convention would create jobs for Sierra Leoneans as mediators.

Further, on flexibility, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice said States could opt out of specific dispute types and cited China, Venezuela, and Myanmar as examples. He also told Members of Parliament that Sierra Leone would use mediation as the best alternative to settle commercial/investment disputes. He also explained the importance of the Protocol on the Abolition of the Death Penalty.

On his part, the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, said that IOMed would promote peaceful dialogue, boost investors' confidence, and improve Sierra Leone’s image, amongst others. He also spoke about the disadvantages of the Convention, stating that mediation agreements may lack automatic legal enforcement. He also spoke positively about the abolition of the death penalty.

Concluding the debate, Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, supported the ratification. He reaffirmed that joining IOM will advance peace, reduce dispute costs, attract investment, and strengthen international cooperation. He highlighted the positivity of the Abolition of the Death Penalty's Protocol relative to the decision taken by President Bio. The Minister later clarified issues and concerns raised by Members of Parliament.