The Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) has formally notified the Sierra Leone Police of its intention to stage a peaceful protest and procession on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, to express concerns over what the organisation describes as Parliament’s alleged violation of constitutional provisions in the ongoing process to amend the 1991 Constitution.
In a letter dated August 17, 2026, addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, CAN Executive Director Thomas Moore Conteh said the planned protest is intended to provide citizens with a peaceful platform to express their concerns and petition President Julius Maada Bio on what the organisation considers a matter of national importance.
CAN said the notification was made pursuant to Section 17(1) of the Public Order Act, 1965 (Act No. 46 of 1965), which requires organizers of a procession to notify the police in writing of their intention to hold such an event.
According to the organisation, the protest is expected to attract a large number of citizens and will commence at Lumley Beach before proceeding through Stadium Car Park, Savage Street, St. John, Sanders Street and Siaka Stevens Street, ending at State House.
CAN emphasized that the planned demonstration will be peaceful, orderly and non-violent, with participants expected to respect the law, public and private property, security personnel and other members of the public.
The organisation has also requested the Sierra Leone Police to make appropriate arrangements for crowd management, traffic control, public safety and emergency access, given the anticipated size of the gathering.
CAN further called for engagement between the police and its representatives to discuss practical arrangements for the procession.
The advocacy group said its decision to organize the protest is rooted in its commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law and the peaceful exercise of citizens’ rights.
“We therefore look forward to the cooperation of the Sierra Leone Police in ensuring that the planned procession is conducted peacefully and safely,” CAN stated in its letter.
Copies of the notification were also sent to key 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, the European Union Delegation, and the diplomatic missions of the United States, United Kingdom, Ghana, Nigeria, The Gambia, Guinea and Liberia.
The organisation also copied civil society leaders, the Fourth Estate, the general public and the relevant authorities.
The planned protest comes amid ongoing parliamentary consideration of proposed amendments to the 1991 Constitution, with CAN positioning itself against what it considers procedural violations in the constitutional amendment process.
