A coalition of leading press freedom and human rights lawyers across West Africa has expressed deep concern over Sierra Leone’s proposed Counter-Terrorism Act, 2024, warning that the legislation could stifle free expression and civic participation under the guise of national security.
The West Africa Network of Activists and Media Defence Lawyers (WANAMDEL), in a statement issued on May 15, 2025, cautioned that the bill’s vague definitions and broad language could be misused to criminalise legitimate activities such as investigative journalism, peaceful protest, and critical commentary on governance.
“While we acknowledge the State’s responsibility to protect its citizens, the bill as currently drafted poses serious risks to fundamental freedoms,” the group said, pointing to the bill’s ambiguous references to offences like “intimidation of the public” and “undermining public safety.”
The lawyers argue that the proposed law fails to sufficiently distinguish between violent conduct and non-violent civic engagement, leaving journalists, civil society actors, and even academics vulnerable to prosecution for their work.
WANAMDEL expressed particular concern over Sections 12, 15, and 21 of the bill, which they say lack safeguards for media professionals and human rights defenders. The group noted that this contradicts both domestic and international obligations, including Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution and treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The bill also draws criticism for its lack of judicial oversight and the imposition of strict liability offences that could carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment, even in the absence of intent. According to WANAMDEL, such provisions raise constitutional and human rights concerns and could erode fragile democratic gains in the country.
“In a country where democratic institutions remain in a delicate state of consolidation, such legislation, if left unchecked, could suppress legitimate civic activity under the guise of national security,” the statement added.
WANAMDEL is urging the Sierra Leonean government to revise the bill by adopting a narrow, violence-based definition of terrorism and to include explicit protections for peaceful protesters, journalists, and rights defenders. The group also called for judicial oversight and alignment of the bill with both national and international human rights standards.
“Laws must be designed not to stifle civic participation but to enhance it,” the statement said.
WANAMDEL is a network of 14 human rights lawyers from across West Africa, established by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) to provide timely legal assistance to journalists, activists, and media organisations facing persecution.
