PARLIAMENT RATIFIES INTERNATIONAL MEDIATION CONVENTION AND DEATH PENALTY ABOLITION PROTOCOL

By Desmond Isaac Macauley
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has debated and ratified two major international legal instruments aimed at strengthening the country’s justice system, governance reforms, and international cooperation.
The ratified instruments include the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which seeks the abolition of the death penalty.
Presenting the agreements before Parliament, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq,described both instruments as important milestones for Sierra Leone’s development and reform agenda. He explained that the IOMed Convention is designed to facilitate the settlement of international commercial, investment, and other disputes through mediation, providing an effective alternative to lengthy litigation and arbitration.
The Minister emphasized that, the Convention aligns with the principles of the United Nations Charter and Sierra Leone’s foreign policy objectives. He noted that, membership in the organisation would enhance the country’s ability to resolve disputes peacefully while creating opportunities for Sierra Leoneans to serve as professional mediators in international cases.
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, welcomed the Convention, stating that it would promote dialogue, strengthen investor confidence, and improve Sierra Leone’s international reputation. However, he also cautioned that mediation agreements may face challenges regarding automatic legal enforcement, while expressing support for the protocol abolishing the death penalty.
Contributing to the debate, Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, strongly supported the ratification of both instruments. He argued that joining IOMed would help reduce the cost of dispute resolution, attract foreign investment, enhance peace building efforts, and strengthen international cooperation. He also commended the government’s commitment to the abolition of the death penalty, describing it as consistent with the reforms already championed by President Julius Maada Bio.
Following extensive deliberations and clarifications from the Attorney General on concerns raised by Members of Parliament, the House unanimously ratified the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aimed at the abolition of the death penalty, reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to justice sector reform, human rights, and peaceful dispute resolution.