Mabinty Kargbo Wanted By Police For Escaping From Custody

August 18, 2022

By Abdulrahman Kamara

Police sources say that they are looking for one Mabinty Kargbo in connection with the August 10 violent riot that resulted in the deaths of 6 police officers and 35 civilians. Mabinty was among a number of suspects arrested by the Kissy Police and kept in their custody, but were set free by protesters, who stormed the station, broke open the cells and set all the suspects free.

Investigation mounted by this medium revealed that Mabinty was residing at Portee, Eastern Freetown, and a stronghold of the main opposition party (APC), and her husband (Shiek Umar Kargbo) is a known supporter and Chairman of the party in that Constituency.

According to sources living in the area, she was at the next neighboring compound during the August 10 riot, but her husband (Shiek) and kid (Fatmata Kargbo) had left for Waterloo in the early hours of that day. One source disclosed that she was in her house when some ruling party youths in the company of some armed security officers stormed the house of Mabinty looking for her husband.

Our source disclosed that whilst hiding in her house, both her and Mabinty heard several gun shots coming from Mabinty’s house, and later saw the youths and armed officers depart from the house.

It was further disclosed that upon reaching at her house, Aminata discovered that her old father (Abdulai Kargbo, sisters and brother (Zainab, Adama Kargbo, Ibrahim Kargbo) had been shots and in a pool of blood. She is reported to have come out of the house crying. Our source further disclosed that angered by this incident, Mabinty had decided to join the protesters in a bid to bring to the attention the atrocity committed by the security officers and thugs to journalists.

Eye witnesses explained that Mabinty and others were pursued by the police around their area, and was caught when she fell down, and taken to the Kissy police station. One of the suspect, who also managed to escape from the police cell, who spoke to this medium on condition of anonymity, explained that whilst they were in the police cell, they overheard some officers threatening to rape them after their special operation is over.

She also disclosed that she and others were able to escape when some youths stormed the police station and broke open their cell, letting all of them out. She explained that everyone ran for their lives, and little time was available to check for anyone, but maintained that Mabinty was among those who escaped, but she does not know her whereabouts. She too explained that she is going to leave the city for fear of being discovered by the youths and the police.

This medium engaged residents in the area, who told us that since the shooting at Mabinty’s house, they have not been able to see Mabinty’s husband, kid or herself. They are also fearful of going to her house, as it is now a place of constant surveillance by some ruling party youths, who seemed determined to alert the police of any movement in the house. They also furthered that since the arrest of Mabinty, her whereabouts have not been known, but were only informed that Mabinty had escaped from police custody.
As we go to press the whereabouts of Mabinty Kargbo are still unknown.

The Complete Reunification of China is an Inevitable Trend

August 18, 2022

By Li Xiaoyong

Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy

Resolving the Taiwan question and realizing China’s complete reunification is a shared aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation. It is indispensable for the realization of China’s rejuvenation. It is also a historic mission of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The CPC, the Chinese government, and the Chinese people have striven for decades to achieve this goal.

Against the backdrop of global changes unseen in a century, China’s cause of complete national reunification is facing new challenges. On Aug. 10, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China published a white paper titled “The Taiwan Question and China’s Reunification in the New Era”.

The white paper comprehensively elaborates on the position, principles and policies of the CPC and the Chinese government on advancing and realizing national reunification in the new era. It bears great significance in strengthening the trend of opposing “Taiwan independence” and advancing national reunification, resolutely curbing separatist activities and interference from external forces, and firmly safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Resolving the Taiwan question and realizing China’s complete reunification is a shared aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation. The CPC, the Chinese government, and the Chinese people have striven for decades to achieve this goal.

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the CPC and the Chinese government have adopted new and innovative measures in relation to Taiwan. They have continued to chart the course of cross-Straits relations, safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, and promote progress towards national reunification.

However, in recent years the Taiwan authorities, led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), have redoubled their efforts to divide the country, and some external forces have tried to exploit Taiwan to contain China, prevent China from achieving complete reunification, and halt the process of national rejuvenation.

The actions of the DPP authorities in advocating “Taiwan independence” have resulted in tensions in cross-Straits relations, endangering peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. They are obstacles that must be eliminated in the process of advancing peaceful reunification.

External interference is another obstacle to China’s reunification. Still lost in delusions of hegemony and trapped in a Cold War mindset, some forces in the United States insist on perceiving and portraying China as a major strategic adversary and a serious long-term threat. They do their utmost to undermine and pressurize China, exploiting Taiwan as a convenient tool.

It is the sacred right of every sovereign state to safeguard national unity and territorial integrity. It goes without saying that the Chinese government is entitled to take all measures necessary to settle the Taiwan question and achieve national reunification, free of external interference.

China is firmly committed to peaceful development. At the same time, it will not flinch in the face of external interference, nor will it tolerate any infringement upon its sovereignty, security and development interests. Relying on external forces will achieve nothing for Taiwan’s separatists, and using Taiwan to contain China is doomed to fail.

National reunification is an essential step toward national rejuvenation.

The future of Taiwan lies in China’s reunification, and the wellbeing of the people of Taiwan hinges on the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, an endeavor that bears on the future and destiny of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. The historic goal of China’s complete reunification must be realized and will be realized.

Police Declares Mamadu Lamin Bah Wanted

August 17, 2022

Mamadu Lamin Bah, a heavy-duty construction driver, working for Pavi Fort Construction Company has been declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police in connection with the August 10 riot in Freetown, after escaping from custody of the Wellington Police station.

According to police sources, Mamadu and his stepmother were arrested from their Calaba Town residence after on intelligence that they were part of the rioters of the August 10 riot that resulted in the death of 6 police officers and some 25 civilians. They are said to have been freed from custody when some opposition party thugs stormed the station, set vehicles on fire and damaged police property.

Speaking to residents at the Calaba town area, Constituency 113, it was disclosed that Mamadu’s stepmother was the Constituency Chairlady for the main opposition party (APC) and the entire family supported the party. It was further disclosed by one close family friend, who spoke to us on basis of anonymity, that Mamadu was seen providing water for protesters who were suffering from tear gas fired by the police at the protesters. It was also confirmed that he took part in the protest, and as news of the killing of the police officers went viral on social media, the police stormed the homes of known supporters of the main opposition party, and Mamadu and his stepmother were arrested and taken to the police station.

Our source furthered that the police returned after some hours in the company of ruling party youths looking for Mamadu and his stepmother, in the process, shot dead two people in the compound. It was then that they knew that both had escaped from police custody and were being sought after.

Mamadu and his stepmother and two family members are said to have been trying to leave the country, but were caught at the border with Guinea, as their pictures were on display as wanted persons. Whilst awaiting transportation to Freetown, Mamadu Lamin Bah is said to have escaped leaving behind the other family members. A man hunt was mounted by the security at the border in the surrounding area, but to no avail, as there were many entry points that made any escape easier.

As we go to press, the whereabouts of Mamadu are unknown, and the police have put a bounty on his head for any information that would lead to his arrest.

Abdul Aziz Bangura Escapes Death at Hands of Security Forces

August 17, 2022

According to reports from Wellington, eastern Freetown, a young man going by the name of Abdul Aziz Bangura has been declared wanted by the police on allegations of involvement in the riot of August 10 2022, and narrowly escaped capture.

Our Investigation reveal that Abdul Aziz Bangura is the son of a popular member of the main opposition party APC, and known for gangsterism. Thus, when the said riot was quelled by the police, he is alleged to have been among the protesters, and possibly be involved in the attacks on police officers and some police stations in that part of the city.

Abdul Aziz Bangura resides at the slum community of Kroo Bay in central Freetown, but his father resides at the eastern community of Wellington in Freetown. Family members say that he had left early in the morning of the planned demonstration to see his father. While in Wellington, he witnessed the firing that ensued during the protest, but was not part of the demonstration.

However, with the death of several police officers, believed to have been killed by some unknown angry protesters in revenge for the shooting dead of some 30 civilians by the police.

In an address by the President on national radio, he laid the blame solely on the main opposition party APC, describing them as terrorists. And inspiring bad influence to youth by listening and share a popular political inciter called ‘Adebayor’ audio messages on WhatsApp which the president gives a ban to it. This description resulted in ruling party youths in the company of security forces, storming residences of known opposition party members and sympathizers, breaking down doors and shooting dead occupants. Against this backdrop, many supporters and party operatives of the opposition party went into hiding. Those who were unable to escape were either gunned down or arrested and taken to unknown locations.

Abdul Aziz Bangura father, Osman Panda Bangura was said to have been shot down when the security forces stormed the house in Wellington. Sources in the area confirmed that armed security officers raided the community, putting many residents at gun point and check everybody phones especially those involved in sharing deceitful messages from ‘Adebayor’, asking after Osman Panda Bangura and his son. They furthered that Abdul Aziz Bangura and his father were not part of the demonstration, as they were seen at home, but since the father is a known member of the main opposition party, he became a target and was shoot down. They confirmed seeing Abdul Aziz being chased by ruling party youths, but could not tell whether he escaped or not, as a curfew was declared and security forces were parading the streets.

As we go to press the whereabouts of Abdul Aziz Bangura or his dead father corpse are yet to be seen. Meanwhile, the police have declared Abdul Aziz Bangura wanted and added to the list of wanted people

Ibrahim Kabia and Others Declared Wanted in Connection with August 10 Protests

August 17, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Human rights activists have condemned the alleged wrongful detention of young individuals accused of orchestrating the violent protests that erupted across Sierra Leone, including Freetown, on August 10, 2022. Social media posts have identified certain individuals, including Ibrahim Kabia, as being involved in the unrest. However, investigations suggest that these accusations are politically motivated, aimed at silencing perceived opponents of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government.

The situation has worsened with reports of vigilante groups, allegedly aligned with the SLPP, targeting supporters of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC). Unverified reports of extrajudicial killings have spread fear across the nation. Among these incidents, a well-known APC supporter in the Northern city of Makeni was allegedly shot dead, sparking concerns over political violence.

One of the flashpoints of the August 10 protests was Hagan Street in Freetown. The area witnessed intense confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement. Young protesters, voicing frustration over economic hardships and calling for political change, erected roadblocks and set tires ablaze. In response, police fired tear gas and, in some cases, live bullets, leading to several fatalities.

In the aftermath of the violence, a resident of Hagan Street, Ibrahim Kabia, was accused by a group of SLPP supporters of leading the protests and calling for the resignation of President Julius Maada Bio. Armed with sticks and machetes, these irate youths attempted to storm Kabia’s residence with the intent to harm him.

The Sierra Leone Police have since declared Ibrahim Kabia and others wanted, accusing them of being among the ringleaders of the August 10 protest. A confidential source disclosed that suspicious activity has been reported near Kabia’s home on three occasions, fueling fears that vigilante groups may be searching for him and two others accused of killing a police officer during the unrest.

While some individuals involved in the August 10 protests have been arrested, tried, and sentenced, there are reports of others who have mysteriously disappeared. A relative of Ibrahim Kabia expressed concern about the rising political tensions in the country, especially as the 2023 general elections approach. The family member advised that those accused, including Ibrahim Kabia, may need to consider leaving the country for their safety.

As of this report, the whereabouts of Ibrahim Kabia remain unknown.

Concrete Steps Must Be Taken to Regulate the Social Media

August 17, 2022

By Ranger

In modern times, Social Media is a very powerful conduit through which information and news items are disseminated and it has become the quickest way of communication, speedily taking pre-eminence over print and electronic media.

Today, a sizeable percentage of individuals in this country are au fait with, linking up to twitter, Whatsapp and Facebook which are now more in vogue. In certain quarters, it has been argued very soon the social media will completely eclipse the traditional media, more especially the newspaper, the latter becoming finally extinct.

We, however, view it otherwise in the sense that the intimacy of the newspaper is so magnetic to an extent that it cannot fade away quickly and in terms of cost it is comparatively less expensive to other forms .

Further, it is easily accessible by the vast majority of the citizenry because of its cost and advertisers can reach more people which are why it is more appealing to most clients than the social media.

For ease of reference, newspapers or radio clips can be easily retrieved than an item that was published a long time ago on the social media.

All that notwithstanding, the social media has opened up the communication spectrum or space; at the click of a button people far and wide are brought together. The role of the social media in changing lives, promoting transformation in different sectors of society cannot indeed be overemphasized. It has so far proven very useful in fostering development in various fields in an incredibly fast manner.

Despite all the attendant benefits that it has brought to humanity, yet still it has its own shortcomings especially in a developing country like Sierra Leone. One of them is the complexity in tracing the identity of users more especially so with Facebook, Whatsapp, phones, twitter etc. This gap or missing link has provided the leeway for certain people to abuse it to cause mischief, violate the privacies of others, molest or make derisive comments against certain individuals.

High profiled criminals are every day using the social media to commit nefarious crimes bordering on pilfering into the accounts of others, caricaturing others making them appear in certain ways, tap phones, spy on other countries and even copying unique brands of certain companies which they may end up using in their own production line with slight variations.

Lamentably, with all the attendant benefits the social media has brought, what we have been experiencing in this country is the posting of cooked up stories, not in the least accurate, against certain people, on the social media creating the notion that they are true stories, but are deliberately meant to tarnish the good names of individuals in society. What has become very disturbing about this trend is when such are done along party lines with the avowed objective to muzzle or denigrate others. For sure, the new advent has provided a channel through which unethical ways of practicing journalism, either by mainstream journalists or citizen journalists, have become rife, not in the least thinking about the reputation of others or how relatives, supporters may react to such postings.

It is not in the least decent in any form, whatsoever, for grownups to be using strong insulting language against others on the social media simply because of disagreement in views on certain subjects or issues. We can express our views in more civilized ways, limiting ourselves only to issues rather than attacking personalities, using uncouth language. If used judiciously, knowledge could be sourced through learning and the social media is one platform through which we can imbibe facts which can then be used to make informed decisions.

What again has become noticeable in recent times is the practice of certain journalists to just cut and paste news items they discover on the social media without first trying to cross check the authenticity or veracity of such news. Some print media journalists have been guilty of this act. As had been highlighted, the social media is full of fabrication which may at face value appear genuine at the surface but when scratched all what is underneath is total falsehood. Many journalists have been found culpable of this to an extent that the media regulator in the country, the Independent Media Commission, has been cautioning journalists to be very mindful of this ‘cutting and pasting’.

Users of the social media should always hold the view that the social media is a powerful tool to fast track development; learn about new innovations, initiatives, a platform for interaction, gain knowledge, source news etc. It should therefore be used to serve genuine aspirations rather than to fuel hate and denigration.

It behooves the Government, through the Ministry of Information and Communications, the National Telecommunications Company (NATCOM), GSM companies and other relevant institutions to work out modalities as to how to regulate the Social media so that it could be properly monitored in order to ensure that sanity prevails, the privacies, fundamental human rights of individuals are protected.

LAJ Sent to High Court for Criminal Trial

August 17, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

Principal Magistrate of Pademba Road Court No.1, Magistrate Mark Ngegba has on the 16^th of August 2022 committed Amadu Bah alias LAJ to the High Court for criminal trial after a successful preliminary hearing at the lower court.

The Magistrate ruled that the Prosecution has led sufficient evidence that warranted the committal of the matter to the High Court for criminal trial.

Alhaji Amadu Bah was arrested on 12 June for allegations of robbery with violence at Leonco Filling Station at Congo Cross. Since then he has remained in custody.

Court records show that the accused made 14 appearances at the Magistrate Court. He was however denied bail again today whilst the matter has been committed to the High Court.

Magistrate Hadiru Daboh Sentences Alimamy Conteh to 4 Yrs, 11 Months imprisonment

August 17, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

An accused person, Alimamy Conteh, was standing summary trial before Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of Ross Road Court No 3 on the 16th August, 2022 on two Counts Charges of Conspiracy, Contrary to law and Larceny Contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act, 1916.

The Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police, WPC J. Bangura, in her efforts to proving the accused person’s guilt, brought three witnesses; two factual and one formal.

It was alleged that the accused person, in agreement with one Borboh (who succeeded to escape arrest) on 28th October, 2021, at Mambaridge, Kissy in Freetown, stole from the complainant fifty pieces of corrugated metal zinc sheets, all in the value of Le 1,500,000 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand Leones old notes). After his election, the accused selected to testify on his behalf and relied on his statement from the Police Station.

In his Judgement, His Worship Magistrate Daboh said, “since he couldn’t be a first time offender, the quantum/value of what they stole doesn’t matter; it is the act and the preservation of society that matter.”

The accused, Alimamy Conteh, was sentenced to Four (4) years, Eleven (11) Months imprisonment.

Karim Kamara and Others Declared Wanted in Connection with August 10 Protest

August 17, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Human rights activists across the nation have strongly condemned the unjust and wrongful detentions of young individuals alleged to be the actual instigators of the violent protests that shook parts of the country, including Freetown, the capital, on August 10, 2022, as indicated in certain social media posts.

Upon closer investigation, it has become evident that these false identifications are primarily politically motivated and carried out by supporters of the ruling SLPP Government against those perceived as adversaries of the political establishment.

What has exacerbated the situation is the presence of certain vigilante groups, reportedly comprised of supporters of the ruling SLPP Government, who are allegedly responsible for covertly targeting and killing fervent supporters of the opposition APC Party.

These distressing extra-judicial killings have instilled a sense of fear and dread, particularly when reports emerge of a passionate APC supporter in the Northern Provincial City of Makeni being identified and fatally shot, among other unverified incidents of a similar nature.

Upper Looking Town, Kissy, an emerging community in Freetown, was a focal point during the violent protests, with tensions running high as crowds attempted to advance towards the city center. Police officers responded by firing tear gas canisters and, in some instances, live bullets.

Young protesters voiced their grievances, citing unbearable economic hardships and a demand for political change. Roadblocks were erected, tires were set ablaze, and various projectiles were hurled at the police. In response, the police used tear gas to disperse the sporadic crowds, escalating to the use of live ammunition in some instances, resulting in fatalities.

As the situation calmed down, a resident of Upper Looking Town, Kissy, by the name of Karim Kamara, who is also a member of the Kissy Progressive Organization, was accused by a group of irate youths, believed to be aligned with the ruling SLPP, of being one of the leaders of the violent protest calling for President Julius Maada Bio’s resignation.

This angry group of young SLPP supporters violently advanced toward Karim Kamara’s residence, some brandishing sticks and machetes, with the intent to physically harm him as a lesson for showing disrespect to the President and the government.

The Sierra Leone Police have declared Karim Kamara and others wanted, accusing them of being among the ringleaders of the August 10 violent protest.

A confidential source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that on three occasions, mysterious voices were heard late at night near Karim Kamara’s residence, speaking in hushed tones. Subsequent morning investigations failed to identify the individuals responsible, leading to speculation that these voices belong to those seeking Karim Kamara and two other young men accused of killing a police officer during the August 10 protest.

While some of those identified, arrested, and brought to court for their involvement in the August 10th violent protests have faced legal proceedings and received heavy sentences, there are reports of individuals who have gone missing for several days.

A relative of Karim Kamara, interviewed by one of our reporters, expressed concern about the escalating political tension in the country as the build-up to the 2023 Presidential, Parliamentary, and Municipal Elections continues. In light of these circumstances, it is advisable for Karim Kamara and the others accused of involvement in the violent protests to consider leaving the country.

As of the time of this press release, Karim Kamara’s whereabouts remain unknown.

The Right to Freedom of Assembly & Association

August 17, 2022

By: Edward Bassie Conteh

Human Rights are very topical issues at the International and National levels. They are rarely out of the news and have come a long way to becoming what they truly are today. Despite the endless impediments attributed to them, suffice it to note here that States across the world have doubled their efforts in putting primacy on their four main human rights obligations which are to respect, promote, protect and fulfill the fundamental and inherent rights of the citizens within their jurisdictions, and Sierra Leone forms a major part of those countries.

This work aims at discussing the right to freedom of Assembly and Association including its limitations/restrictions in the context of Act No.6 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone and proffering recommendations for State actors and the general public. It is also extremely relevant to bring to the fore the International, Regional and Local Legal Frameworks of the subject under review.

Like many other countries across the world, Sierra Leone is a signatory to almost all major International Human Rights Instruments, which include: Regional Standards on Human Rights, Treaties, Conventions and Declarations etc. These Legal Frameworks ensure that Human Rights are upheld without distinction as to race, colour, creed, religion, sex, tribe, politics etc. For instance, the right to peaceful assembly and association is enshrined in Article 21 of the ICCPR which states: “The right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of such rights other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.”

Looking at the regional levels, Article 11 of the 1981 African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Banjul Charter), Sierra Leone is a signature to this Charter. According to this Charter: “Every individual shall have the right to assemble and associate freely with others. However, the exercise of this right shall be subject only to necessary restrictions provided for by law, in particular those enacted in the interest of national security, the safety, health, ethics and rights and freedoms of others.” Even though, the Right to Individual Petitions has not been recognized, yet, it is noteworthy here that Sierra Leone is also a party to the 1998 Protocol on the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

In Sierra Leone, Chapter (3) of Act No. 6 of the 1991 Constitution guarantees the Recognition and Protection of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms of the individual without distinction as to race, colour, creed, religion, political, sex, ethnicity, etc. Section 26 (1) of the (1991) Constitution protects the right of Freedom of Assembly and Association. It states as follows: “Except with his consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of assembly and association, that is to say, his right to assemble freely and associate with other persons…..for the protection of his interest”

There is no denying the fact that the freedom to assemble and associate freely with others within the jurisdiction is one of the many inherent human rights that puts primacy on the dignity and respect of all citizens, but when it comes to exercising this right, we must always keep in mind that this right is not absolute: it has limitations.

Therefore, we can be deprived of this right under certain circumstances and would not be seen as or considered a contravention of this right-see Section 26 (2) paragraph (a-c) of Act No. 6 of the 1991 Constitution.

In more development, Section 17 (1-5) of No.46 of the Public Order Act of (1965) further provides the following limitations:

Section 17 (1): “Any person who intends to take part or takes part in organizing or holding any procession shall first notify the Commissioner of Police in writing of his intention to do so and any person who fails to give such notice as aforesaid shall be guilty of an offence”.

Section 17 (2): “The Commissioner of Police shall by order in writing address to such persons giving notice, disallow the holding of any procession or impose such conditions as he shall think fit on any procession where in his opinion the interests of defence, public order, public safety or public morality so require”.

Section 17 (3): “Any person who takes part in any procession which has been disallowed by the Commissioner of Police or fails to comply with any of the conditions imposed by him under the provisions of sub-section (2) shall be guilty of an offence”.

Section 17 (4): “Any person found guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred Leones or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both”.

Section 17 (5): “This section shall not apply to processions of the following nature:

a) Circumcision
b) Funeral
c) Marriage
d) Scouts or girl guides
e) Schools.

It is noteworthy here that the importance of the practice of the Rule of Law in any democracy is that it puts everyone on equal stead. Therefore, insofar as the State has its obligations to promote, respect, protect and fulfill the inherent rights of individuals, citizens also have the responsibility to obey the law at all times.

According to Mahatma Gandhi, “Non-violence is one of many ways citizens can register their message to the State, but if that action seems to be in contravention with the law, public safety, public order, public morality, freedoms of other people within the state, etc then it is but prudent not to carry it out! There must be other avenues such as dialogue which can be utilized as opposed to resorting to demonstrations/protests.”

Quite recently, across most parts of the country, we all saw the unlawful demonstrations that resulted in losing the lives of youths that were involved. In most cases, these demonstrations have a political undertone and sadly, they have been used as avenues for the commission of crimes such as Arson, Mutiny, Insurrections, etc which in turn impedes the proper functioning of the State.

With the aforementioned, the Right to Freedom of Assembly and Association is enshrined in many International Human Rights Instruments ranging from the Magna Carta, UDHR, ICCPR etc, and many other Regional Human Rights Documents, as well as Local Legal Frameworks which seek to promote the dignity of the individuals while cautiously regulating and guiding the behaviour of State actors.

However, it is important to reiterate here that the right is not absolute; therefore, it can be limited under lawful circumstances as stated in the Constitution. Unfortunately, bad politics, including other factors, has created contention between the State and its citizens, and these factors have claimed the lives of many people across Sierra Leone.

To address some of the challenges attributed to the Right to Freedom of Assembly and Association, the Rule of Law and Democracy, the following recommendations have been proffered to both State actors and the general public:

They should always put primacy on providing the enabling environment for the citizens to exercise their inherent rights such as the freedom to assemble and associate with others freely without unreasonable limitations.

There should be more public education on what the laws say about human rights including their limitations so that the citizens can better understand their positions and responsibilities within the State.

Denying citizens the right to assemble freely goes contrary to the Government’s obligations when it comes to respecting the Fundamental Human Rights of its citizens. Thus, the Police should avoid being in a position that curtails the rights of citizens.

Government through its actors (Police) should always look out for alternative mechanisms in reacting issues of civil disobedience and should put primacy on using professional and proportional means of responding to demonstrations whenever the need arises to exercise their fundamental and inherent human rights.

When exercising human rights, especially the right to Freedom of Assembly and Association, citizens should always ensure that they do so within the confines of the law, otherwise, their actions may be seen as being in contravention of the Constitution.

Citizens should always choose dialogue over demonstrations/protests for peace and harmony to thrive without any threats to the development of human dignity. But in cases where the only option is to protest, then they should ensure that an approval from the Inspector General of Police has been obtained.

People who intend to hold non-violent processions should always ensure that their actions are not used as means to commit other crimes which may impede public safety, public order, public health and public morality etc.

Citizens who intend to hold non-violent processions should refrain from ushering in political forces that have the proclivity to hinder the smooth running of the State. Hence, citizens have responsibilities as enshrined in Section 13 of the (1991) Constitution, and they should always ensure that the upholding and maintaining of public order, public safety, public health, and public morality are sacred.

Lastly, heads of political parties should leave hold of their political differences and embrace peace and restraint as opposed to hateful and inciting statements that have the propensity for a breach of national peace and cohesion.