National Commission for Democracy-Sierra Leone

28/08/2025

National Commission for Democracy Validates 2025 State of Democracy Report

On August 26, 2025, the National Commission for Democracy (NCD) officially validated the 2025 National State of Democracy Report during a high-level session at Sierra Palms Hotel, Freetown. The event convened a diverse group of stakeholders from governance institutions, civil society, and international partners, with support from International IDEA and funding from the European Union.

Following a rigorous review of the draft report presented by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), the Steering Committee unanimously endorsed its authenticity and relevance. This endorsement clears the path for the report’s formal launch on September 15, 2025—International Democracy Day.

Madam Marian Angela Samu, Chairperson of the NCD, extended heartfelt appreciation to the EU and International IDEA, describing their support as “invaluable.” She commended the Steering Committee’s steadfast dedication and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting a biannual National State of Democracy Survey. “This research is central to our mandate,” she emphasized, “as it enables evidence-based advice to government and strengthens democratic governance.” Madam Samu also appealed for continued support to ensure the successful rollout of future activities.

Dr. Idriss M. Tarawallie, Country Director for International IDEA, pledged ongoing support for the biannual democracy report. He noted that while International IDEA has long produced global democracy assessments, this marks its first collaboration on a locally-led national assessment. He stressed the importance of disseminating the report’s findings to foster public awareness and engagement.

Representing the European Union, Enrico welcomed the validation outcome and reaffirmed the EU’s enduring commitment to democratic values. “The European Union stands with Sierra Leone for Democracy,” he noted, underscoring the importance of partnership in strengthening democratic institutions and civic engagement.

The validation session concluded with robust contributions from participants. The motion to adopt the report was formally moved by the Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED) and seconded by the Vice President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), contingent on the incorporation of stakeholder feedback.

26/08/2025

Validation exercise of the National State of Democrcay Report 2025 by the National Commission for Democrcay (NCD)

21/08/2025

With support from International IDEA, the Steering Committee of the National State of Democracy Survey is currently reviewing the 2025 draft report at the Office of International IDEA. The discussions are being led by the National Commission for Demicracy (NCD) and co-chaired by the University of Sierra Leone (USL). The survey was done to assess Sierra Leone's state of democracy.

30/06/2025

Sierra Leone is grieving the loss of one of its most distinguished academics and pioneering female politicians, Dr. Kadi Sesay who passed away on 15th June, 2025. A legendary figure, Dr. Kadi Sesay served her country with dedication in multiple capacities, from academia, where she was a lecturer and Head of the English Department at Fourah Bay College, to politics, where she held ministerial positions and made history as a vice presidential candidate.

Her transition from academia to National service marked a significant chapter in her career. In 1994, she became the first Chairman of the National Commission for Democracy (NCD), a role that brought her into the limelight. It was here that she began to showcase her leadership and vision, gaining the attention of political leaders and becoming a respected force in Sierra Leone's democratic evolution.

Dr. Kadi Sesay's time at the Commission was nothing short but remarkable. Through her invaluable contributions, she championed key reforms and played a pivotal role toward the long-sought multi-party Democracy. Her involvement in the peace process, particularly as Chairperson of the NCD, remains deeply significant. Owing to her astute leadership, the Commission became one of the moral guarantors of peace during the signing of the Lomé Peace Accord.
May her soul rest in peace.

19/03/2025

19/03/2025

NCD ENGAGES PUPILS IN THE NORTH-WEST REGION

The North-West Regional Office of the National Commission for Democracy (NCD) has been engaging pupils in various secondary schools across the country to educate and instill a sense of patriotism and nationalism in those that will take up leadership mantle in the near future. It is in line with this orientation that the North-Western region, headed by the erudite Commissiner, Johannese Alie Baba Kamara, engaged the Schlenker and Johanna Senior Secondary Schools on the 17th and 18 March, 2025, respectively.

The Commissioner who gave an inspiring presentation wooed the interest of many pupils to join the existing Democracy School Clubs created by the Commisison's regional office. His presentation was meant to open the minds of the young boys and girls about the need to actively participation in promoting national issues even as they uphold the laws of the land.

Commissioner Johannese Alie Baba Kamara emphasised the need for pupils to learn to respt authorities, starting with their school authorities, participate in school activities with utmost civility and study hard to sufficiently prepare for the leadership task that awaits them in the future.

As the progenitor of the National Pledge, as has always been the tradition of the Commission, the programmes were climaxed by the recitation of the National pledge as a way of reminding pupils about their responsibilities in promoting democracy and good governance in Sierra Leone.

12/12/2024

11/12/2024

The Chairman of the National Commission for Democracy (NCD), Madam Marian Angela Samu, at the Civic Festival organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at Youyi Building. The Commission displayed civic education materials including leaflets of the three stanzas of the National Anthem and the National Pledge. The materials include brochures of the Mission, Vision and Mandates of the Commission and also a bulletin containing some news items of the activities of the Commission.