Sierra Leone’s justice system is turning to technology as it steps up efforts to tackle human trafficking and migrant smuggling, with Chief Justice Komba Kamanda leading the call for urgent reforms.

Speaking during a high-level meeting with officials from the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, the Chief Justice stressed that modern digital tools are no longer optional if the country hopes to improve how trafficking cases are handled in court.

The discussion, held at his chambers, focused on practical ways to speed up trials and improve case outcomes through better technology and targeted training. Rather than relying solely on changes to the law, the conversation highlighted how digital systems can transform the entire justice process—from filing cases to delivering judgments.

Kamanda warned that without reliable digital infrastructure, efforts to secure convictions in trafficking cases will continue to face delays and setbacks. He also pointed out that many cases fail long before they reach the courtroom, often due to weak investigations and poor evidence gathering.

To address this, he emphasized the need for stronger coordination between key institutions, including the judiciary, the police, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and state prosecutors. According to him, successful prosecutions depend on building solid, evidence-based cases from the start.

As part of ongoing reforms, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force is preparing to deploy trained paralegals to monitor court proceedings and track how trafficking cases progress. The goal is to identify gaps in the system and ensure greater accountability.

International partners have signaled their support for these efforts, with funding available for initiatives focused on technology upgrades, capacity building, and cross-border collaboration. The broader project aligns with regional strategies under the ECOWAS framework and is backed by the European Union and Denmark.

At its core, the meeting reinforced a key message: tackling human trafficking is not just about laws—it requires a smarter, more connected system powered by technology, skilled personnel, and sustained cooperation across borders.