𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐂 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐒𝐎 𝐀𝐓𝐈 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Welcoming participants, the Chairman and Information Commissioner, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between RAIC and civil society in advancing transparency, accountability, and citizens’ access to information across Sierra Leone. He extended a warm welcome to the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), the newest member of the coalition.

Speaking on behalf of civil society, Charles Keif Kobai reflected on the coalition’s journey, highlighting the collective efforts that have culminated in the formation of a unified platform to strengthen the implementation of the Right to Access Information framework.

The meeting brought together representatives from leading CSOs including Transparency International Sierra Leone (TI-SL), Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), Centre for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), Network Movement for Youth and Children’s Welfare (NMYCW), Forward Sierra Leone, and the newly admitted CGG.

The primary objective of the session was to review and validate the coalition’s Terms of Reference, which outline key areas of collaboration between RAIC and CSOs. These include:

• Popularization, awareness-raising, and media sensitization on the Right to Access Information (RAI) law, including dissemination of cases, reports, and related initiatives;

• Capacity building through peer learning and adoption of international best practices;

• Joint fundraising efforts and collaboration on project proposals and implementation;

• Coordination in the execution of RAI-related events and activities;

• Strengthened collaboration on the enforcement of Proactive Disclosure of Information (PDI) and Freedom of Information, in line with the provisions of the RAI Act of 2013.

As part of the agreed next steps, RAIC will develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of both the Commission and participating CSOs. Additionally, the Commission will establish a roster to facilitate CSO participation in its “RAIC Hour” program and support the wider dissemination of press releases and landmark cases.

In discussing preparations for the upcoming International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) and the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2026, Dr. Shaw emphasized the need to explore strategic pathways for linking the RAIC-CSO ATI Coalition with international CSO networks and partners working in the Access to Information space. He further noted that RAIC will share relevant conference topics to enable active CSO participation.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both RAIC and its civil society partners to strengthen collaboration and deepen public awareness of the right to access information as a cornerstone of democratic governance.