We gathered that the Sierra Leone Police has declared Abu Conteh, who is currently out of the country and a former resident of No. 4 New Castle Street, Kissy Mess Mess, in Freetown, wanted for his alleged involvement ahead of the December 10, 2024, nationwide protest in the country.
We understand that the police have arbitrarily arrested and detained Thomas Babadi Kamara and Mr. Madi Williams, civil and human rights advocates, in connection with their letter requesting security for a peaceful protest on December 10th, 2024.
Conteh is wanted in connection with the planned protest that was organized by some civil society group. The purpose of the protest is to demand the publication of disaggregated data results from the June 23rd, 2023 elections, which is a legitimate concern.
Conteh and others staying abroad are accused of sponsoring such protests, though we have no independent confirmation. We have been unable to contact the persons accused of sponsoring this protest. But however, one of Conteh’s family members who failed to disclose to this medium from his undisclosed location said, “Abu Conteh and his family are under threat. They need to get out of Sierra Leone for their safety.”
Meanwhile, many international bodies, including civil society organizations (CSOs) and the media, have condemned the arrest of the two civil and human rights advocates.
In Sierra Leone the right to peaceful assembly by members of the public is tightly controlled, as citizens are required to first get permission from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) stating their reason or reasons for protesting. It is common practice for the SLP to refuse such requests to protest against the government, for who and the president the police openly say they serve over the interest of the citizenry whose taxes pay their salary.
The League of Democracy Advocates (LODA) strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and detention of Thomas Babadi Kamara and Mr. Madi Williams, civil and human rights advocates, by the Sierra Leone Police in connection with their letter requesting security for a peaceful protest on December 10th, 2024.
“The Right to Protest is a Constitutional and International Right
The 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone explicitly guarantees the right to freedom of assembly pursuant to Sec. 26, and The Public Order Act 1965 guarantees the right to gathering and procession pursuant to Section 17. These rights are further protected under international treaties that Sierra Leone has ratified, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
No Evidence of Criminal Activity or Threat to National Security
After reviewing the content of the letter and the intended purpose of the protest, we find no evidence that the detainees have committed any crime or pose a threat to national security. The purpose of the protest is to demand the publication of disaggregated data results from the June 23rd, 2023 elections, which is a legitimate concern.
Undue Restriction on Freedom of Speech, Movement, and Assembly
The arrest and detention of these individuals undermines the fundamental rights to freedom of speech, movement, and assembly. The Sierra Leone Police must respect and recognize the right to protest, especially when it is exercised peacefully and for legitimate purposes.
Demands
We demand the following:
The immediate and unconditional release of Thomas Babadi and Mr. Mardi Williams.
A public apology from the Sierra Leone Police for this illegal action.
A commitment from the authorities to uphold the right to protest and to refrain from arbitrary arrests in the future.
Conclusion
The arbitrary arrest and detention of these civil and human rights advocates is a serious violation of their constitutional and human rights. It undermines the rule of law and stifles the democratic space in Sierra Leone. We urge the authorities to immediately correct this injustice and to ensure that the right to protest is respected and protected”.
