By Mahamood Fofana
Dr Ibrahim Bangura, an academic and peace and conflict expert, has called on the government of President Julius Maada Bio to ensure that the ongoing constitutional review process is firmly rooted in the interests of citizens rather than partisan political considerations.
Speaking on the current Constitutional Review and the proposed Constitution (Amendment) Bill, Dr Bangura argued that any genuine democratic process must be anchored on a clear separation of powers, where the executive is effectively checked by the legislature and the judiciary. According to him, democracy loses its meaning when power is concentrated in the executive without sufficient accountability mechanisms.
He emphasised that accountable governance should never be driven by political expediency. Instead, he said, it must be based on a state system that deliberately depoliticises independent institutions so they can function in the interest of the general population. Dr Bangura warned that when institutions meant to safeguard democracy are captured by political interests, the result is public distrust, weak governance, and democratic erosion.
Dr Bangura noted that the widespread public outcry surrounding the Constitution (Amendment) Bill is a clear indication that citizens feel marginalised in the process. He believes this reaction stems from what he described as excessive political alignment overriding the genuine needs and aspirations of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
According to him, peace and stability cannot be legislated through exclusion or political dominance. Rather, they are achieved when a nation promotes an inclusive national identity, strengthens social cohesion, and pursues equitable and sustainable development. He argued that these elements are essential in addressing the deep-rooted poverty and socio-economic hardship confronting citizens across the country.
Dr Bangura further cautioned that any constitutional review process that weakens social cohesion, undermines inclusion, or prioritises partisan advantage over national consensus poses a serious threat to Sierra Leone’s fragile peace. He described such an approach as a potential breeding ground for insecurity, fragile governance structures, and systematic corruption.
Calling for civic vigilance, Dr Bangura urged citizens and parliamentarians alike to resist any attempt to undermine the country’s peace, democracy, and constitutional order. He stressed that lawmakers have a moral and constitutional duty to represent the will of the people, not the interests of political elites.
In support of this position, Dr Bangura disclosed that he has chosen to actively engage in the process through his political party, the All People’s Congress (APC). He revealed that he is collaborating with the party by preparing a comprehensive position paper to inform and strengthen the APC’s submission to the ongoing pre-legislative constitutional review process.
He concluded by reiterating that a people-centred constitution is not only essential for democratic consolidation but also critical for long-term national stability and development in Sierra Leone.
