*Civil Society Activism in Sierra Leone is Dead without Edmond and Neneh*

June 4, 2026

By G- Bangs

The standard of independent civil society activism in Sierra Leone has drastically changed, leaving only a dedicated few to champion the rights of ordinary citizens.

Over the years, many prominent activists( Ibrahim Ben Kargbo- Citizens, Moses Sellu Mambu- CSO Mambu and others ) have swapped their protest banners for government appointments or transitioned into political cheerleaders. This systemic co-optation has eroded public trust, leaving a vacuum where independent watchdogs once stood.

However, figureheads like Edmond Abu Jr. and Rugiatu Neneh Turay stand out as the few remaining advocates willing to voice hard truths.

Historically, Sierra Leone’s Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) served as robust buffers against government overreach and economic mismanagement. In recent years, that independent stance has disintegrated.

Deeping economic challenges and political patronage have led numerous civil society leaders to compromise their autonomy. When genuine grievances are raised, it has become common for political apologists masquerading as activists to immediately defend those in power. Consequently, the line between social advocacy and political public relations has severely blurred.

Standing Ground on the Front Lines Amid this compromised landscape, a small minority of defenders continue to face substantial personal and legal risks to address systemic issues:Edmond Abu Jr. (Economic Justice & Fuel Tariffs): As the Executive Director of the Native Consortium and Research Centre, Abu has consistently targeted corporate exploitation and public policy failures. He has repeatedly challenged telecom monopolies over high tariffs and poor service. He also routinely organizes public resistance against crippling fuel price hikes. His refusal to back down has resulted in multiple arrests, court contempt charges, and aggressive multi-billion Leone legal penalties enforced by state regulators.

Rugiatu Neneh Turay (Human Rights & Anti-FGM): Leading the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the founder of the Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM) tackles one of the country’s most deeply entrenched cultural and political taboos. Because FGM is historically tied to voting blocks, politicians from major parties frequently protect the practice to secure power. Turay has consistently bypassed political convenience, surviving death threats to champion alternative, bloodless rites of passage and demanding accountability following tragic initiation. The reality for independent operators is isolating Activists who refuse to align with political parties lack structural protection, facing state-backed legal battles, financial penalties, and intimidation.

For Sierra Leone’s democracy to function effectively, civil society cannot operate as an extension of the political apparatus. The resilience of figures like Abu and Turay serves as a critical reminder that true activism belongs to the public, not to political parties.