By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – March 31, 2026: At its weekly press briefing, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) addressed pressing national issues ranging from religious tolerance to local governance and civil society perspectives on development.
The Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, announced the signing of a landmark communiqué between government and religious leaders on March 26 at the Miatta Civic Centre. The agreement seeks to strengthen Sierra Leone’s tradition of religious harmony and national cohesion.
Minister Karminty expressed concern over recent rhetoric by some clerics, warning of the dangers of extremism and hate speech. She emphasized that the communiqué commits religious leaders to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and responsible leadership. It also establishes mechanisms to hold offenders accountable under the law.
“This dialogue was convened to address intolerance and hate speech. Religious leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Sierra Leone’s long-standing tradition of harmony,” she said.
Local Councils Cannot Be Boycotted
The Director of the Decentralization Secretariat, Alex Bonapha, stressed that local councils are legal entities that cannot be boycotted. Citing Section 3 of the Local Government Act, he explained that councils are corporate bodies with perpetual succession and must continue functioning even in the absence of political heads.
Bonapha further noted that the Attorney General’s Office has confirmed that Chief Administrators serve as Vote Controllers under the Public Financial Management Act and the Local Government Act 2022, ensuring transparent management of council resources.
Legal Provisions for Intervention
Bonapha added that the Local Government Act 2022 provides mechanisms for government intervention in times of crisis. Sections 108 and 138 empower the President, through Parliament, and the Minister of Local Government to enact regulations to address operational challenges.
Civil Society Urges Dialogue
Civil society voices also featured prominently. William Sao Lamin, Executive Director of Accountability Now Sierra Leone, condemned the ongoing boycott by APC chairpersons, mayors, and councillors. He warned that the impasse is undermining service delivery and hurting ordinary citizens.
“This boycott is adversely affecting communities. Constructive dialogue among stakeholders is urgently needed to resolve the crisis in the interest of national development and public welfare,” Lamin said.
Compelling Angle
The press conference underscored Sierra Leone’s dual challenge: safeguarding its tradition of religious tolerance while ensuring that local governance structures remain functional despite political disputes. Civil society’s call for dialogue highlighted the urgency of bridging divides to protect citizens from stalled services and to preserve national cohesion.