Sierra Leone Implements Controversial Counter-Terrorism Laws…

Sierra Leone has enacted new counter-terrorism laws that threaten civil liberties, allowing the government to label critics as terrorists. President Julius Maada Bio’s administration has intensified suppression since 2018, leading to significant casualties among protesters. The laws, passed with little public input, are expected to further undermine democracy rather than promote stability and governance.

Sierra Leone has enacted new counter-terrorism laws that pose a significant threat to civil liberties and critics of the government. Citizens now face the risk of being labeled as terrorists for merely expressing dissent against President Julius Maada Bio’s regime. This legislation is perceived as a means for the ruling SLPP party to intensify its campaign against opposition figures and individuals who criticize the administration on social media.

Since assuming office in 2018, President Bio, a former soldier who once opposed previous governments, has been accused of excessive force, with over 200 protesters reportedly killed during his tenure. The swift passage of these laws on March 11, 2025, has been criticized for lacking public consultation and is believed to have received tacit support from the weakened opposition, the APC party.

The changes in global political dynamics, particularly under former U.S. President Donald Trump, may embolden authoritarian practices in developing nations such as Sierra Leone. With already stringent cyber laws in place, the new legislation is feared to further undermine the nation’s fragile democracy and the civil liberties secured at great cost during the past conflicts.

Rather than implementing more oppressive laws, commentators argue that Sierra Leone should focus on establishing robust institutions governed by dedicated and ethical leadership, striving to alleviate the widespread poverty experienced by its citizens.

The recent passage of counter-terrorism laws in Sierra Leone raises serious concerns regarding civil liberties and government accountability. Critics argue that these laws empower the government to suppress dissent and threaten the fragile state of democracy within the nation. The imperative for Sierra Leone is to strengthen institutions and leadership rather than impose harsher laws that jeopardize citizens’ rights and welfare.

Original Source: www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com