By Abdul Kamara

Chief Executive Officer of the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), Abdul Fatoma is currently representing the country at the prestigious Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit taking place in Spain.

The global forum, jointly organized by the Government of Spain and the OGP, has brought together world leaders, policymakers, and civil society advocates committed to advancing transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.

Abdul Fatoma, a prominent human rights advocate and governance reformer, has long been recognized for his tireless work in promoting civic accountability and social justice in Sierra Leone. His invitation to this year’s summit highlights both his personal contribution to global reform efforts and Sierra Leone’s growing involvement in international dialogues on democratic governance.

At the summit, Fatoma is taking part in a high-level panel discussion on open justice, a topic that focuses on ensuring transparency in judicial systems and protecting citizens’ access to information. The panel also includes senior members of the judiciary from across Africa, such as a Supreme Court Justice and a Deputy Chief Justice from South Africa, reflecting the summit’s global diversity and expertise.

The discussions are centered on strengthening judicial independence, enhancing public confidence in courts, and building open institutions that serve citizens fairly and effectively.

These themes align closely with the OGP’s mission to promote government openness and collaboration between civil society and state actors.

Fatoma’s participation marks a proud moment for Sierra Leone, reinforcing the country’s role as a constructive voice in global governance and reform. His engagement at this level underscores how civil society can drive meaningful change by advocating for justice, transparency, and inclusive leadership.

Through his work at CHRDI, Fatorma continues to push for stronger accountability systems, improved public participation and the protection of human rights, values that remain at the heart of Sierra Leone’s democratic progress.