Freetown 24th March 2026 – A new State of Democracy in Sierra Leone Assessment 2025 has laid bare a troubling reality, citizens’ confidence in the country’s legal system remains alarmingly low, with many believing that justice is reserved for the wealthy and well-connected.
The report, jointly conducted by International IDEA – Africa & West Asia and the National Commission for Democracy, with support from the European Union, paints a stark picture of a justice system struggling to deliver fairness and efficiency.
One of the most striking findings is that 51% of Sierra Leone’s prison population are pre-trial detainees, many waiting between three to five years before their cases are heard. For those unable to afford bail, particularly the young and poor, this means years of uncertainty behind bars without conviction.
At a focus group in Bo, young people recounted the story of a student who languished in a juvenile correctional center for months because his case was never called. He was only released after intervention from a senior government official. Such stories, the report notes, are not isolated but symptomatic of systemic delays and inequality.
The assessment reveals that 75% of Sierra Leoneans believe the police are corrupt, while 44% doubt that court cases will be resolved fairly. Afrobarometer data shows some improvement in perceptions of judicial corruption over the past decade – from 47% in 2015 to 36% in 2025 – but confidence remains fragile.
Across communities, citizens voiced concerns that social status, political connections, and financial resources often determine the outcome of cases. Enforcement of verdicts is another weak link, further eroding trust in the system.
Even at the highest levels, doubts persist. The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) declined to challenge the 2023 election results in the Supreme Court, citing fears that the judiciary was politically compromised.
This buzzword echoed throughout community engagements for the report. Participants described how money is often required to expedite cases or secure favorable verdicts. For those without resources, justice is not only delayed but often denied.
The findings highlight a justice system where impartiality and equitable treatment are undermined by corruption and inequality. As Idriss Mamoud Tarawallie from International IDEA bluntly put it: “Justice is beyond a poor man’s reach.”
The report urges both state and non-state actors to intensify advocacy for reforms that will restore public confidence. Efficient case management, stronger enforcement of verdicts, and measures to insulate the judiciary from political influence are seen as critical steps toward rebuilding trust.
