B-FOUND has supported and commended His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for invoking the constitutional provisions of Section 122(1) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, by referring the petition concerning the Constitutional Amendment Bill to the Supreme Court for a judicial opinion.
The President has directed the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to facilitate the process. The Supreme Court has subsequently scheduled 7th October 2026 to hear matters relating to the Constitutional Amendment.
B-FOUND calls on the Supreme Court to discharge its constitutional responsibilities independently, impartially, and in accordance with the law and the Constitution of Sierra Leone.
It further believes that the Court should carefully consider all the constitutional issues raised concerning the amendment process and provide clear guidance that will serve the long-term interests of the people of Mama SALONE.
They believe that constitutional reform must not be approached only from a partisan perspective. It must be considered within the broader context of strengthening our democratic institutions, constitutional governance, accountability, and national unity.
B-FOUND calls on our political leadership to move away from excessive political competition and focus more strongly on national development and the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Political leaders must remember that development is not only about political activities, statements, or projects associated with particular administrations. Development should address the everyday needs of Sierra Leoneans.
Issues such as the development of the National Stadium, the Lumley market, the Lungi Bridge, electricity, water supply, roads, sanitation, healthcare, education, employment, and other essential services should remain central to our national development agenda.
B-FOUND therefore calls for development programmes that transcend political parties and administrations and serve Sierra Leoneans regardless of their political affiliation.
True Democracy
It further invites Sierra Leoneans to reflect on the true meaning of true democracy.
If democracy means government of the people, by the people, and for the people, then elected authorities have a responsibility to work primarily in the interest of the citizens who entrusted them with political power.
B-FOUND is concerned that, across Africa, democratic institutions can sometimes become overly focused on political power, party interests, patronage, and the interests of individuals and groups connected to those in authority.
The fundamental question is: If political power comes from the people, why should the interests of the people not remain at the centre of governance?
B-FOUND therefore renews its call for a long-term National Development Plan covering the next 50 years, with clear national priorities that successive governments can build upon.
Such a plan should not belong to SLPP, APC, or any other political party. It should belong to MAMA SALONE.
National Unity, Tolerance and Professional Policing
B-FOUND calls on every Sierra Leonean to love one another, respect our differences, and learn to accept divergent views.
Democracy cannot survive without tolerance. We may disagree politically, socially, or ideologically, but we must never allow our differences to destroy our national unity.
B-FOUND also calls on the Inspector-General of Police and the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police to continue strengthening professional training and standards within the Police Service.
As the institution continues its transformation into a modern Police Service, there should be continuous investment in professional training, effective management, community engagement, human-rights-based policing, and responsible discharge of police duties.
B-FOUND further recommends that community policing should be strengthened as an important tool in combating drug trafficking, crime, lawlessness, and other social problems affecting our communities.
The police cannot fight crime effectively without the cooperation and confidence of the communities they serve.
Political Appointees
B-FOUND calls on all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to maintain a healthy working relationship between political appointees and professional staff.
When the President appoints political office holders, their responsibility should be to help translate the President’s vision and programmes into effective policies and implementation.
However, political appointees should also recognise the value of professional staff who possess the technical knowledge and institutional experience required to provide sound professional advice.
Professional officers should be allowed to use appropriate professional language and expertise in the discharge of their duties without unnecessary political interference.
Leadership is not simply about occupying an office. A leader must have the ability to listen, coordinate, provide direction, respect professional expertise, and ensure that government programmes are effectively implemented.
Political appointees should therefore work with career professionals to ensure that the mission and vision of the government are properly implemented for the benefit of the people.
B-FOUND believes that Sierra Leone’s future depends on strong institutions, respect for the Constitution, independent democratic institutions, professional public services, national unity, and a development agenda that goes beyond political party interests.
Our politics should serve our development—not our development serve our politics.
Let us build a Sierra Leone where successive governments can inherit national development programmes and improve upon them rather than abandoning them because of political differences.
One nation. One people. One MAMA SALONE. Please listen to Solomon Sundu and kindly share.
