By Foday Moriba Conteh
A coalition of leading Civil Society Organizations in Sierra Leone has issued a strong statement calling for the preservation of the neutrality of the security forces and the protection of democratic values ahead of the 2028 General Elections.
In their joint communiqué dated 28th October 2025, the organizations; including 50/50 Group, African Women’s Leaders Network (AWLN-SL), Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ), Institute of Governance Reform (IGR), Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), The Lawyers Society and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ); expressed deep concern over what they described as “alarming rhetoric threatening peace and institutional integrity.”
The statement condemned recent comments made by SLPP Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa, who allegedly insinuated the use of the military against the opposition and remarks by Opposition Whip Abdul Karim Kamara, which were seen as evoking post-election conflict. The groups warned that such rhetoric risks undermining public trust in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and could rekindle divisions.
The organizations stressed that in a democracy, the security sector must remain neutral, apolitical and accountable to civilian authority, in accordance with Sierra Leone’s Constitution and regional protocols such as the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and the African Charter on Democracy.
Citing the lessons of Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991–2002), which left over 50,000 dead, the Civil Society coalition warned that the manipulation of the military for political purposes had previously contributed to national instability. They referenced findings from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which identified political interference in the security apparatus as a key driver of conflict.
“Ignoring these lessons would betray the sacrifices of countless Sierra Leoneans who fought for peace and reconciliation,” the statement noted.
The groups called on all political leaders to commit publicly to RSLAF neutrality, on the Government and the Armed Forces to reaffirm their apolitical stance and on the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) and the Judiciary to uphold integrity and transparency in the electoral process. They also urged the media and citizens to reject divisive narratives and promote accountability.
“We must refocus on the wellbeing, safety and stability of our nation,” the organizations emphasized adding that Sierra Leone’s youthful population faces greater existential threats from unemployment and insecurity than from partisan politics.
Reaffirming their dedication to democracy and peace, the signatories pledged to continue monitoring the situation and to support institutions that uphold constitutional order and the rule of law. “We stand ready to work with all stakeholders to advance dialogue, reconciliation and lasting peace,” the joint statement concluded.
