The West Africa Network of Activists and Media Defence Lawyers (WANAMDEL) has voiced concerns about Sierra Leone’s proposed Counter-Terrorism Bill, 2024, warning that its vague language and sweeping definitions pose serious threats to civil liberties and press freedom.
In a statement issued from Accra, WANAMDEL acknowledged the government’s responsibility to ensure national security but criticized the Bill for lacking clear distinctions between violent extremism and legitimate civic activities such as peaceful protest, investigative journalism, and public dissent.
According to WANAMDEL, the Bill’s broad terms including “intimidation of the public” and “undermining public safety” could be easily misapplied, potentially criminalizing non-violent actions protected under international law.
The organization highlighted that such ambiguities violate obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly Articles 19, 21, and 25, which safeguard freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation.
The group is especially alarmed by Sections 12, 15, and 21 of the proposed legislation, which they argue fail to protect journalists, academics, and human rights defenders—key actors in ensuring accountability and transparency.
WANAMDEL noted that the Bill contradicts Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution, particularly Section 25(1), which enshrines freedom of expression, as well as regional human rights instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Further criticisms focus on the Bill’s lack of judicial oversight, its use of strict liability in offenses requiring intent, and the imposition of severe penalties including life imprisonment—for ill-defined crimes.
“In a country where democratic institutions are still consolidating, such a law could be weaponized to suppress legitimate civic engagement,” WANAMDEL warned. “True national security must be rooted in respect for human rights and the rule of law.”
The network is urging the Government of Sierra Leone to revise the Bill by narrowing the definition of terrorism to clearly exclude non-violent civic actions, including protections for media professionals, human rights defenders, and peaceful protesters, guaranteeing judicial oversight and due process,aligning the legislation with international and regional human rights standards, and mending provisions that contradict the country’s Constitution.
WANAMDEL, a coalition of 14 human rights lawyers, as noticed by WorldClass247News, supported by the Media Foundation for West Africa, reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic governance, freedom of expression, and justice across the region.
By Charles Akpeji