In February 2024, the ECOWAS Court of Justice delivered a landmark judgment in Mohamed Morlu v. Republic of Sierra Leone, finding the State responsible for multiple human rights violations arising from the shooting of Mr. Morlu during a peaceful student protest in Bo in March 2017. The Court held that Sierra Leone violated his right to security of the person and his right to be free from torture and ordered the State to provide compensation and ensure accountability for those responsible. One year later, in March 2025, IHRDA and AdvocAid publicly expressed concern over the Government’s failure to implement the judgment, noting the absence of compensation and lack of visible progress on investigations or prosecutions.

In parallel with public advocacy, IHRDA—together with national partners—has engaged directly with the Office of the Attorney General to follow up on implementation not only of Mohamed Morlu v. Sierra Leone, but also Forum Against Harmful Practices & Others v. Sierra Leone (FGM case) and AdvocAid Limited v. Sierra Leone (decriminalisation of petty offences). During a high-level meeting, attended in person by Mr. Morlu, the Attorney General committed to ensuring that he receives immediate medical attention through an assessment and surgery by the Ministry of Health to remove the bullet that remains lodged in his abdomen. The parties also agreed to convene further meetings to develop concrete plans to support the Government in undertaking the legal and policy reforms ordered in the other cases.

While these commitments mark an important step forward, effective implementation will depend on timely follow-through—both in providing individual remedies to victims and in advancing the broader legislative and institutional reforms required by the Court’s decisions. IHRDA will continue to monitor progress closely to ensure that Sierra Leone translates its commitments into measurable action and full compliance with its regional human rights obligations.