Two members of The Lawyers’ Society have filed an action before the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone seeking constitutional interpretation regarding the passage of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in what could become a landmark legal challenge over the country’s constitutional amendment process.
The action, filed on September 3, 2026, was brought by Thomas Moore Conteh and Hon. Tamba Kellie, who are acting in their individual capacities. According to a press release issued by The Lawyers’ Society, the application seeks the Supreme Court’s interpretation of constitutional provisions governing the voting threshold required for the valid passage of a constitutional amendment bill and the procedure that must be followed in approving such legislation.
The Society explained that the legal action was instituted by the two members personally because the Government of Sierra Leone has not granted corporate registration to the organization, preventing it from filing the matter as a corporate body.
Court documents indicate that the suit was filed pursuant to Sections 124 and 127 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991. The plaintiffs are asking the Supreme Court to determine whether Parliament complied with constitutional requirements when it passed the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on August 10, 2026.
Named as defendants in the action are the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
According to the Lawyers’ Society, the case is not intended to challenge the legislative authority or supremacy of Parliament. Rather, it seeks judicial clarification on whether the constitutional procedures for amending the nation’s supreme law were properly observed.
“The action seeks to uphold the Constitution in the process of altering it,” the Society stated, adding that the proceedings are aimed at protecting the integrity of the constitutional amendment process and ensuring that any changes to the Constitution satisfy the requirements prescribed by law.
The Society further noted that the protection of the rule of law and the promotion of good governance remain central to its mandate. It said the Supreme Court has been invited to examine whether Parliament adhered to the constitutional procedures governing constitutional amendments.
Should the Court determine that the required procedures were not followed, the applicants are seeking a declaration that the purported passage of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is null and void.
The filing comes amid ongoing public debate over the amendment bill and is expected to draw significant legal and political attention as the Supreme Court considers issues relating to constitutional interpretation, parliamentary procedure, and the limits of legislative power in constitutional reform.
The Lawyers’ Society said it will continue to keep its members and the public informed about the progress and outcome of the proceedings.