Author: Ibrahim Hashim
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has in early August 2022 debated and passed into law with some amendments, the bill entitled “The Arbitration Act, 2022”.
The Bill seeks to provide for the Incorporation of the Convention on the Registration and Enforcement of Arbitral Awards 1958 (New York Convention) in respect of awards made In Sierra Leone or a contracting State, to provide for the implementation of the convention on the settlement of investment disputes between states and nationals of other states; to provide for fair settlement of disputes by domestic and international arbitration and to provide for other related matters.
Presenting the Bill prior to enactment, the Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Napoleon Koroma said the bill is necessary and timely and went on to highlight the importance of the bill.
He said the bill, when enacted into law, would address international arbitration, the commencement of arbitration, emergency arbitration, jurisdiction arbitration tribunal, the conduct of arbitral proceedings, power of the court of arbitration, and more.
In his submission to the debate, the Chairman Legislative Committee in Parliament, Hon. Sulaiman Marray-Conteh said the bill is not controversial and went on to inform Parliament that, when legislated, it would seek to address and empower the investors to have investment confidence. He also said that, Sierra Leone needs to legislate powerful laws for the state, relative to arbitration.
Hon. Keikura C. Vandi highlighted the historical overview of the bill and underscored the need for the enactment of the bill for the improvement of the socio-economic development of the state. He said the bill would guide investors to invest hugely into the economy of the country.
Hon. Joseph Williams-Lamin said the bill, when enacted would address several challenges relative to investment.”This bill would give confidence to donor investments and security”, he asserted.
Hon.Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella Leader NGC said the Bill is timely and is needed. He also said since the country is moving with a lot of investments, it is time for it is enacted and applauded the initiatives of the bill and called on them to popularize it for investment in the country. He endorsed the enactment of the Bill.
