President Bio’s suspension of Supreme Court Justice A.B. Halloway on September 16, 2025, has stirred major concerns about judicial independence in Sierra Leone. A group of lawyers quickly petitioned the President to reverse the decision, warning that it sets a troubling precedent for the rule of law.
In a statement on September 18, the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) condemned the suspension as unjust and a violation of Justice Halloway’s fundamental rights. The group recalled that Justice Halloway had raised serious complaints against the Chief Justice, including human rights abuses, abuse of office, and maladministration. Despite these grave concerns, CHRDI noted that the judiciary has failed to investigate or update the public on the matter.
CHRDI stressed that public officials must use the powers of their office responsibly, acting in good faith and only for the purposes intended by law. Suspending a judge without addressing his grievances, they warned, undermines procedural integrity and weakens public trust in the justice system. The organization urged the government to revoke the suspension under Section 137(6) of the 1991 Constitution and ensure a fair inquiry into the Chief Justice’s conduct.
The release also underscored that both Sierra Leone’s Constitution and international law require disciplinary actions against judges to follow due process, fairness, and transparency. Echoing similar concerns raised by the United Nations in other countries, CHRDI called on the government to safeguard judicial independence, uphold the Constitution, and ensure justice and fairness for all.
