SLAM Slams Maada Bio’s Decision to Withdraw Dr Samura Kamara’s Security Detail: A Sign of Fear, Repression and Disregard for Democracy in Sierra Leone

A press statement dated November 1, 2024, the Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement (SLAM) condemns in the strongest terms the Maada Bio administration’s recent decision to withdraw the security detail assigned to Dr Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, a prominent opposition leader, respected intellectual and Presidential candidate of the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party. This action is not merely a denial of security; it is a chilling move with broader implications, highlighting the Bio administration’s unwillingness to protect democratic voices, foster political diversity, or uphold the constitutional values of safety and inclusion. By withdrawing security details from an individual who symbolizes intellectual resilience and democratic ideals, the Maada Bio administration reveals a troubling reliance on intimidation and force over open dialogue, democratic engagement, and intellectual discourse. (Photo: Maada Bio and Dr Samura Kamara).

Broader Implications: Why this is More Than a Security Detail

A Government Shielded by Force, Not Logic: The Maada Bio administration has shown a persistent pattern of responding to dissent not with reasoned debate but with the coercive mantra of “bullet for bullet.” The Bio administration’s knee-jerk reliance on force to address opposition speaks volumes, revealing a deep-seated cowardice that hides behind the barrel of a gun rather than engaging in genuine intellectual engagement. An administration so afraid of diverse perspectives that it weaponizes its authority against free speech creates an atmosphere of fear, showing a profound lack of respect for the foundations of democracy.

In a democracy, diverse perspectives are essential for growth and innovation. Yet, instead of viewing criticism as an opportunity to improve, this administration treats every placard, voice, and critical opinion as an existential threat. In orchestrated town hall meetings, they publicly pose as open to dialogue, yet behind closed doors, they use the weight of intimidation to ensure that only their narrow, „perfection-box‟ 2 views are upheld. They may need reminding that the advances and freedoms we enjoy today are products of an environment where people were free to share ideas, challenge norms, and build on each other’s innovations.

It is clear to the people: rather than listening and genuinely engaging, the Bio administration chooses lavish travel and propagates false narratives designed to mask the real issues. While government officials indulge in these luxuries, everyday Sierra Leoneans struggle to afford a basic meal, exposing the deep disconnect between leaders and citizens. This administration is more invested in appearances than in addressing the suffering and hunger impacting daily lives across Sierra Leone. Such actions are not just misguided — they are shameful, eroding public trust and showing a disregard for the realities facing Sierra Leoneans. SLAM asks this Bio administration: How can an administration that cowers from open dialogue and responds with fear and violence to mere opinions expect to foster a thriving democracy? Real courage in leadership comes from engaging openly and addressing diverse voices, not stifling them. Without this engagement, the Bio administration only further alienates the people it purports to serve, weakening the democratic framework they are sworn to uphold.

Fomenting Public Disillusionment with Democratic Processes:

When an administration penalizes opposition leaders rather than protecting their right to critique and participate, it erodes public faith in democratic processes and the legitimacy of the electoral system. In a true democracy, citizens should see their leaders safeguarded, not punished, for expressing dissent or challenging the government’s policies. This erosion of public trust has damaging ripple effects, and it sends a dangerous signal to society that dissent is unsafe and that leaders may only serve as long as they are aligned with the ruling government. The effects of undermining democratic integrity are well documented. For instance, in Kenya‟s 2017 elections, public outrage over perceived electoral irregularities and targeted repression of opposition leaders fueled widespread protests and deepened public distrust in the political system, destabilizing both the government and civil society.

Such actions led to prolonged unrest, reminding us how vital trust is in keeping peace and stability in any democracy. If Maada Bio’s administration fails to protect prominent figures and opposition leaders – the very stakeholders’ essential to a balanced democratic process – what message does it send to ordinary citizens? If key figures are left vulnerable for voicing opinions, who will protect ordinary Sierra Leoneans when they speak up? Such failures signal that the Bio administration values control over the welfare and rights of its 3 people, leaving citizens uncertain of who will stand up for them or ensure their rights are respected. This approach does not merely threaten leaders but erodes the foundation of Sierra Leone’s democratic structure, weakening public confidence in institutions meant to protect them. A government unwilling to uphold these democratic responsibilities is ultimately failing not just leaders but the people it is sworn to serve. (Photo: Police Chief William Fayia Sellu).

3. Fear of Intellectual Opposition: Dr Samura Kamara has challenged the Bio administration not with weapons but with ideas – an influence that evidently terrifies those claiming to be in power. The withdrawal of his security underscores an administration that fears the power of intellect, relying instead on force to silence dissent. This act is a covert form of intimidation, signalling to all that anyone who thinks differently will be denied the basic right to safety. The Bio administration appears unable to engage with diverse perspectives, preferring to eliminate what it perceives as threats to its narrow, “perfection box” of governance.

4. Erosion of Trust and National Stability: Sierra Leone remains in a fragile peace process, working to heal from past conflicts. The Bio administration’s selective provision of security alienates significant portions of the population, deepening divisions and eroding trust. By failing to provide security for opposition leaders, it sends a clear message that it values only those voices that align with its agenda, undermining the principles of inclusion, transparency, and safety that are critical for national stability.

5. Suppressing Progress and Innovation: Development in the modern world thrives on diversity of thought and ideas that challenge existing systems. By repressing opposition and restricting intellectual freedom, Bio’s administration is actively working against Sierra Leone’s progress, suppressing innovation in all sectors, from the economy to education. The withdrawal of Dr Samura Kamara’s security is a clear indicator that this administration prioritizes uniformity and compliance over the creative problem-solving that could propel Sierra Leone into a prosperous future.
6. Violation of Constitutional Values: The Constitution of Sierra Leone enshrines the principles of democracy and the right to political participation, including the protection of prominent figures from undue harm. Yet, Bio’s administration is quick to dismiss its obligations to safeguard those who disagree. Dr Samura Kamara‟s security withdrawal is a clear violation of these principles, signalling that the administration is willing to undermine its own foundational laws to maintain power.

7. Undermining Economic Confidence and Future Generations: This lack of security signals instability to potential investors, partners, and stakeholders, damaging the country’s economic reputation. An administration that cannot see the importance of security for its key figures is unlikely to make sound decisions for the economy, infrastructure, or education system. This short-sightedness will cost Sierra Leone generations of progress, economic growth, and educational improvement.

8. Encouraging a Climate of Intimidation and Self-Censorship: When prominent figures are denied security, it sends a powerful message to journalists, activists, and academics that dissenting opinions may result in government-sanctioned exposure to danger. This climate of fear promotes self-censorship, depriving Sierra Leoneans of diverse, unfiltered voices crucial for public discourse and democratic growth. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), for instance, where journalists have faced intimidation and violence, the public’s ability to access truthful, uncensored information has been significantly weakened.

9. Setting a Precedent for Unequal Treatment and Political Retaliation: Withdrawing Dr Samura Kamara’s security sets a dangerous precedent of unequal treatment, with political allegiance becoming a determining factor in whether one receives fundamental protections. This undermines the democratic ideal of equal rights under the law. As seen in post-election violence in Zimbabwe in 2018, where opposition figures faced increased repression, such tactics only deepen social divisions and foster resentment, harming long-term unity efforts.

10. Creating Conditions for Future Unrest and Insecurity: When opposition figures are seen as vulnerable or are intimidated by the state, it emboldens factions that may seek to exploit these conditions for violence, further destabilizing the country. The Bio administration’s failure to provide security to all political voices could drive a wedge that factions may exploit, potentially leading to more extreme divisions. In Ethiopia, the withdrawal of protection from key opposition leaders in politically charged regions has led to significant unrest, often spilling over into ethnic violence, illustrating how neglecting security for prominent figures can ignite broader conflict.

SLAM’s Call to Action

We call upon the Maada Bio administration to:

1. Restore Security to Opposition Leaders Immediately: Providing security for all political figures, regardless of affiliation, is a fundamental duty of any government committed to peace and stability. We demand the immediate restoration of security details for Dr. Samura Kamara and other opposition leaders whose lives may be at risk.
2. Uphold Constitutional Values and Democratic Ideals: The administration’s duty is to serve the people, not silence them. SLAM therefore calls on the Bio 5 administration to recommit to the principles of the Sierra Leone Constitution, ensuring that political diversity, intellectual freedom, and human rights are upheld.

• Foster Open Dialogue, Not Coercion: SLAM urges the Bio administration to engage in constructive dialogue with all political voices, valuing diverse perspectives as the backbone of a vibrant democracy. We implore the Bio administration to abandon the outdated “bullet for bullet” mentality and instead embrace the open exchange of ideas that Sierra Leoneans need and deserve.

1. Demonstrate Accountability and Transparency: We demand that the administration address the serious issues of transparency and accountability, especially concerning the conduct and results of the 2023 elections, which many believe were tainted with irregularities. Sierra Leone cannot move forward until the Bio administration addresses these grievances and demonstrates a commitment to fair governance.
2. Protect Sierra Leone‟s Future Generations: A nation led by fear and intimidation cannot expect to grow. SLAM urges Sierra Leoneans to recognize this administration’s actions as a barrier to national progress, unity, and development. We encourage the people to stand firm for democratic principles and hold leaders accountable, demanding that the Bio administration adopt a broader perspective that serves all Sierra Leoneans, not just those within its narrow circle of influence.

Conclusion:

The withdrawal of Dr Samura Kamara‟s security detail is an affront to democracy, an insult to the Constitution, and a sign of an administration that values control over cooperation. SLAM stands with the people of Sierra Leone, calling for a united response to demand accountability, transparency, and the reinstatement of the protection needed for all political figures. Let us work together for a Sierra Leone that values intellectual discourse, diversity, and freedom over fear and repression. Let us build a country where progress is fuelled by debate, where all voices are heard, and where leadership is earned through respect, not enforced through intimidation. For further information or enquiries, please contact the Director-General or key members on the numbers and email address provided above.

SIGNED

Dr. Alfred A. Veenod Fullah DIRECTOR-GENERAL Cc:

• Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State
• Brian Forni, Vice President, Congressional and Public Affairs The Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General
• Leonardo Santos Simao, Representative of the Secretary-General & Head of UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)
• Karim Ahmad Khan, Chief Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC)
• Richard YOUNG, Chief de Division, Afrique de l’Ouest
• Ursula Von Der Lyen, European Commissioner
• The United Nations Representative in Sierra Leone
• E. Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria & Chairman of ECOWAS
• E. Oumar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission
• Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former VP of The Gambia
• E Nana Akufo Addo, President of Ghana
• E. Bassiru Faye, President of Senegal
• E. Mamadi Doumbouya, President of Guinea
• E. Joseph Boakai, President of Liberia
• David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Dev Affairs, UK
• Neil Alan John Coyle, MP for Bermondsey & Old Southwark, UK
• Ambassador Aly Diallo, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to the UK&I
• Ambassador Mohammad Maidugu, Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in the UK&I
• Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, Head of Mission, The Gambia high Commission, UK&I
• E Fatimata Dia, Ambassador of Senegal to the UK&I
• E Gurly T. Gibson-Schwarz, Ambassador of Liberia to the UK&I
• British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of the United States of America to Sierra Leone
• Head of the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone
• General Consul of Canada in Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of China to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Germany to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Lebanon to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Iran to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Brazil to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Sweden to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Libya to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Egypt to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Cuba to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Guinea to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Liberia to Sierra Leone
• High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Sierra Leone High Commissioner of Ghana to Sierra Leone
• High Commissioner of The Gambia to Sierra Leone
• General Consul of Italy in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul-General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul-General of Ireland in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul-General of India to Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Senegal in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Syria in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Turkey in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Mali in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Romania in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Norway in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Hungary in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of France in Sierra Leone 5
• Honorary Consul of Belgium in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of The Netherlands in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Spain in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Serbia in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Austria in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Denmark in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Russia in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of South Africa in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement (SLAM-Global) Motto: Trust, Unity and Social Justice Email: advocacy1@slam-global.org.uk Mobile :UK – +447725982424/+447564115946 EU – +46734836874/+34676768005 US – 01732-619-9510/01608-772-3917