*_Mr. Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu,_*
_In light of recent developments, we reference precedents regarding the exercise of civil liberties and peaceful assembly in Sierra Leone. In 2015, the current ACC Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala, wrote to the then Inspector General of Police seeking permission to protest against “a minute rise in fuel prices” during the APC administration. Permission was granted, and the protest was successfully conducted around Cotton Tree and the Law Courts with full police security._
_Additionally, we recall the actions of the late SLPP Publicity Secretary, Honourable Musa Tamba-Sam, who staged a protest without seeking formal police permission. His protests around Parliament, State House, and Cotton Tree against the alleged “third-term agenda” were met with no police disruption, suppression, or unlawful detention._
_Against this backdrop, we respectfully seek clarification regarding the invitation of December 10th peaceful protest organizers, Mr. Thomas Babadi and Mr. Maddie Williams, to the police headquarters in relation to their letter dated November 30, 2024. The organizers merely requested police presence for security purposes during a lawful assembly._
*It is critical to underline the following constitutional provisions:*
*1. Section 26(1):* Every citizen of Sierra Leone has the right to freedom of assembly and association, including the right to peacefully assemble without interference.
*2. Section 25(1):* The Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, encompassing the right to express dissent through lawful protests.
*3. Section 5(2)(a):* Sovereignty resides with the people of Sierra Leone, and all governmental authority is derived from them. Peaceful protest is a direct and lawful expression of this sovereignty.
Given these provisions, it is imperative to ensure that actions taken by the Sierra Leone Police uphold and protect these fundamental rights, rather than stifling them. Any deviation from this constitutional mandate risks undermining the principles of democracy and rule of law upon which our nation is built.
We therefore request transparency and accountability in addressing this matter to affirm the commitment of the Sierra Leone Police to safeguarding the civil liberties enshrined in our Constitution.
*Yours sincerely,*
*Andrew Kamara*
Leave a Reply