ERA Urges Other African Nations To Emulate Sierra Leone On Ratification Of African Court Protocol

0

The Environment Rights in Africa (ERA) coalition has described Sierra Leone’s ratification of the Protocol to the establishment of the African Court as a bold affirmation that justice must be accessible, rights must be enforceable, and accountability must prevail.

In a press release shared with the media by Philip Jakpor, ERA Communications Work Group Coordinator, the group congratulated the government of President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone, hailing the ratification as an important victory for the rule of law and calling on all African Union Member States to follow suit.

With the ratification on Thursday 16 July 2026 , Sierra Leone has become a State Party to the Protocol, which was established to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights across Africa. The decision is also coming as Africa commemorates the 20th anniversary of the African Court’s operations which began in 2006.

The ERA coalition, which is campaigning for a robust continental environmental rights framework, reminds African governments that strengthening Africa’s human rights architecture is essential to advancing the rule of law, democratic governance, sustainable development, and lasting peace.

Coinciding with the African Court’s 20th anniversary, Sierra Leone’s ratification of the Protocol underscores the legal leadership of Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay and positions the country as a leading advocate for regional justice, human rights, and the rule of law in Africa.

“For communities facing environmental harm, this ratification signals a shift from symbolic recognition to meaningful accountability through strengthened regional justice mechanisms,” said Ahmad Abdallah, Chairperson of the ERA Steering Committee.

Reacting to the development, Abdallah said that Sierra Leone has shown the continent what principled leadership and political courage look like.

“We encourage its leaders to build on this historic achievement by championing the adoption of a continental environmental rights legal framework that guarantees every person the rights to access environmental information, participate meaningfully in environmental decision-making, and seek justice in matters affecting the air, water, land, and natural resources upon which our lives and livelihoods depend.”

In his reaction, Abdul Karim Marah, Executive Director of the Global Youth Counterpart (GYC) said:

“Sierra Leone’s ratification of the Protocol establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights is a historic milestone that strengthens justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights. As a youth climate activist and youth development specialist, I believe this decision sends a powerful message that the voices and rights of young people matter. It reinforces our collective responsibility to create an Africa where every young person can actively participate in shaping policies, advancing climate justice, and building a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable future.”

Sierra Leone’s ratification builds on its longstanding engagement with ERA, including hosting the coalition’s 2025 Strategic Roadmap Meeting in Freetown, where members adopted a five-year strategy to advance environmental rights across the continent. Building on this momentum, ERA believes Sierra Leone is well-positioned to champion an African Union Member State-led process toward the adoption of a continental environmental rights framework guaranteeing access to information, public participation, and access to justice in environmental matters.

ERA pledges constructive collaboration with Sierra Leone’s Ministries of Justice and Environment to channel this political will into pioneering diplomatic leadership.

Environmental Rights in Africa (ERA) is a growing pan-African coalition of more than 75 civil society organizations and grassroots movements working across over 40 African countries to advance and strengthen environmental rights, environmental governance, protect environmental and land defenders, and promote environmental justice and the enjoyment of a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.