Sierra Leone Enabling Environment Snapshot

Period covered by the report: August 2025- March 2026.

Sierra Leone continues to function as a multi-party democracy under the 1991 Constitution. Nevertheless, the political landscape remains dominated by two long-established parties—the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC)—which have alternated in power since independence in 1961. At present, these two parties hold all seats in Parliament and the majority of positions across the country’s 22 local councils. The only exceptions are a few seats held by the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) in Kono District and the National Grand Coalition (NGC) in Kambia District. 

The deterioration of the enabling environment for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) observed throughout the past year has persisted into March 2026, with little indication of improvement. Since the beginning of 2026, several notable incidents have highlighted the shrinking civic space. These include slanderous remarks by Hon. Gevao of the ruling SLPP, who accused civil society leader Marcella Samba Sesay of being affiliated with the opposition APC; and the arrest and detention of environmental activist Trevor Young by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on cyber-bullying charges after he filmed an alleged police violation. He was detained for more than 24 hours, and upon release, the videos and photographs on his device had been deleted. In addition, journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray remains barred from Parliament—now for over a year—by the Speaker, Hon. Sengehpor Thomas, following his criticism of the institution’s handling of the removal of former Auditor General Lara Taylor-Pearce and her deputy, Tamba Momoh. Lawyer Augustine Marrah faces possible disbarment by the General Legal Council due to his advocacy for a more independent and credible judiciary. Meanwhile, Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya is currently on trial for alleged incitement after calling President Bio a thief in connection with the disputed 2023 elections. 

These incidents reflect a broader pattern of violations over the past 12 months. Continued misuse of the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021 and the Public Order Act 1965 has already constrained civic freedoms; this environment is likely to worsen with the enactment of the Counter Terrorism Act 2025. The police have increasingly relied on these laws, and the addition of the Counter-Terrorism Act—lacking sufficient safeguards for fundamental freedoms—poses further risks to activists and journalists who criticise the government.