By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – October 28, 2025: A coalition of leading civil society organisations in Sierra Leone has issued a powerful joint statement calling for the strict neutrality of the country’s security forces and a recommitment to democratic principles as the nation prepares for its 2028 general elections.
The statement, released today, expresses deep concern over recent inflammatory political rhetoric that threatens national peace and institutional integrity. Specifically, the organisations condemned remarks made by SLPP Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa, which allegedly suggested the use of military force against the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), and counter-statements by APC Opposition Whip Abdul Karim Kamara that hinted at post-election conflict.
🛑 Warning Against Politicisation of the Military
The civil society groups emphasized that the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) must remain apolitical and subordinate to civilian authority, as enshrined in Section 165(2) of the Constitution and reinforced by regional frameworks such as the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and the African Charter on Democracy.
They warned that politicizing the security sector could reignite divisions reminiscent of the country’s devastating civil war (1991–2002), which claimed over 50,000 lives and led to the collapse of state institutions. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), formed after the war, had identified political interference in the military as a key driver of the conflict and urged future governments to maintain a clear separation between the armed forces and partisan politics.
Call to Action for Political Leaders and Institutions
The statement urged:
- Political leaders to publicly commit to RSLAF neutrality and peaceful elections.
- The Government and RSLAF to reaffirm their apolitical stance through clear directives and accountability mechanisms.
- The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) and the Judiciary to strengthen electoral integrity.
- International partners to monitor developments and support democratic processes.
- Citizens and media to reject divisive narratives and demand transparency.
Focus on Youth, Development, and Peace
The organisations also called for a shift away from toxic political discourse toward addressing the country’s pressing challenges—particularly those affecting the youth, such as education, employment, and stability.
The joint declaration was endorsed by eight prominent civil society organisations:
- 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone
- African Women’s Leaders Network Sierra Leone Chapter (AWLN-SL)
- Budget Advocacy Network (BAN)
- Campaign for Good Governance (CGG)
- Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI)
- Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ)
- Institute of Governance Reform (IGR)
- The Lawyers Society
- Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ)
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring political developments, supporting state institutions, and defending Sierra Leone’s constitutional order. They pledged to work with all stakeholders to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace.