By George M.O. Williams
The Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) has notified the Sierra Leone Police of plans to hold a peaceful protest and procession on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, over concerns about what the organisation describes as alleged breaches of constitutional procedures in Parliament’s ongoing efforts to amend the 1991 Constitution.
In a letter dated August 17 and addressed to Inspector-General of Police William Fayia Sellu, CAN Executive Director Thomas Moore Conteh said the demonstration would provide citizens with an opportunity to peacefully voice their concerns and petition President Julius Maada Bio on an issue the organisation considers to be of national importance.
The organisation said its notification was submitted in accordance with Section 17(1) of the Public Order Act, 1965 (Act No. 46 of 1965), which requires organisers of public processions to notify the police in writing.
CAN expects a significant turnout for the procession, which is scheduled to begin at Lumley Beach and pass through Stadium Car Park, Savage Street, St. John, Sanders Street and Siaka Stevens Street before ending at State House.
The organisation assured the authorities that the protest would be peaceful and orderly. Participants, it said, would be expected to comply with the law and respect public and private property, security personnel and other members of the public.
CAN has also asked the police to put measures in place for crowd control, traffic management, public safety and emergency access in anticipation of the expected turnout.
The advocacy group further requested discussions with the police to agree on practical arrangements for the procession.
According to CAN, the planned action reflects its commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, and citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and expression.
“We therefore look forward to the cooperation of the Sierra Leone Police in ensuring that the planned procession is conducted peacefully and safely,” the organisation stated.
The notification was copied to several national and international stakeholders, including the Speaker of Parliament, the Leader of Government Business, the Opposition Leader, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the European Union Delegation.
Diplomatic missions of the United States, United Kingdom, Ghana, Nigeria, The Gambia, Guinea and Liberia were also copied, alongside civil society leaders, the Fourth Estate, the general public and other relevant authorities.
The planned demonstration comes as Parliament continues to consider proposed amendments to the 1991 Constitution, with CAN raising objections to what it believes are procedural violations in the amendment process.