Sierra Leone Opposition, Legal Bodies Seek Review of Kamara Detention

Sierra Leone’s Parliamentary Opposition and several legal institutions are calling on the Supreme Court to reconsider the detention of lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, who is representing the opposition All People’s Congress in constitutional proceedings.

Kamara, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, was ordered detained on October 8 by Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court, Justice Komba Kamanda. The detention followed a disagreement over remarks made during proceedings the previous day.

According to the reported account, Kamara initially declined to withdraw a statement after the Chief Justice directed him to do so. He later apologised before the Court. The order required him to remain in detention until October 13.

Opposition asks Court to consider apology

In a press release dated October 10, Parliamentary Opposition Leader Abdul Kargbo said the Supreme Court should take Kamara’s apology into account and order his release.

The Opposition also stressed that the authority and dignity of the Judiciary must be respected. At the same time, it said lawyers should be able to carry out their professional responsibilities independently and represent their clients firmly within the law.

The Opposition urged supporters and the wider public to remain calm and pursue their concerns peacefully.

Legal bodies offer differing emphasis

The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone separately appealed for reconsideration of the contempt proceedings and called for Kamara’s unconditional release.

The Society said Kamara’s public apology, professional standing and contributions to Sierra Leone’s justice system deserved consideration. It also argued that accepting the apology could resolve the disagreement without diminishing the dignity of the Court.

The General Legal Council, in a statement dated October 8, criticised Kamara’s conduct while appealing for reconsideration of the custodial punishment. The Council described the conduct as discourteous and inconsistent with Rule 4(2) of the Legal Practitioners (Code of Conduct) Rules, 2010.

It also said professional discipline and reconsideration of the detention could be pursued together, while stressing the importance of constructive relations between the Bench and the Bar.

Calls for restraint and judicial independence

The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law – Sierra Leone called for judicial independence, professional restraint and respect for constitutional processes. It did not demand Kamara’s release.

CARL-SL said judicial officers should act impartially and urged politicians, civil society organisations and the media to avoid inflammatory statements that could undermine public confidence in the Judiciary.

Other commentary has focused on the effect of the detention dispute on the constitutional case. Osman Abdal Timbo reportedly said Kamara’s legal representation had been a source of confidence, while the controversy was overshadowing the constitutional questions before the Court.

Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, however, criticised remarks attributed to Kamara, including the statement, “You are showing your hand too early.” Blyden said the remark was inappropriate when directed at the Court and that the Chief Justice would have been justified in citing Kamara for contempt.

The proceedings concern the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025. Conflicting reports have emerged over possible bail arrangements, but no final bail order has been independently established from the available accounts. It also remains unclear whether the Supreme Court will reconsider its decision following Kamara’s apology and the appeals from the Opposition and legal institutions.