In a press statement dated December 5, 2024, SLAM slams the arrest Mr. Thomas Babadi and Mr. Maddie Williams, following their invitation to the Sierra Leone Police headquarters, as an alarming violation of their fundamental rights as citizens of Sierra Leone. These actions do not only undermine Sierra Leone’s constitutional principles but also threaten the very fabric of our democracy. With the whereabouts of the two still unknown, we call for their immediate and unconditional release and demand accountability from the authorities for this grave miscarriage of justice. (Photo: Mr Thomas Babadi and Mr Maddie Williams).

The Context On November 30, 2024, Mr. Babadi and Mr. Williams, representing “Concern Sierra Leoneans”, formally requested permission to organize a peaceful protest on December 10th, 2024. This protest aimed to demand the publication of disaggregated polling station-level results from the June 24, 2023 multi-tier elections, an issue of national importance, given the calls for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

The police, in their response, acknowledged the request and invited the two signatories to a meeting on December 4, 2024, to discuss their letter. However, instead of fostering dialogue, the Sierra Leone Police have detained the said signatories with reports of alleged incitement. There has, sadly, been no formal confirmation or clarity about their current location.

Why Should this be a Matter of Importance to Every Sierra Leonean?

This incident is not just about the arrest of two individuals; it is about the erosion of freedoms and democratic values that affect every citizen of Sierra Leone.

2 1. A Direct Attack on Constitutional Rights:

• Freedom of Assembly (Section 26(1)): Every citizen has the right to peacefully assemble without interference.
• Freedom of Expression (Section 25(1)): Citizens have the right to express dissent through lawful means.
• Sovereignty of the People (Section 5(2)(a)):

All governmental authority derives from the people, and peaceful protest is a lawful expression of this sovereignty. If such rights can be stripped from two citizens requesting a peaceful protest, it sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of all dissenting voices. This attack on civil liberties could easily extend to anyone daring to question authority or demand accountability.

2. A Blow to Democracy and Rule of Law:

Democracy is not merely about elections – it is about the ability of citizens to hold their leaders accountable. Arresting individuals for exercising their democratic rights undermines public trust in institutions and signals a shift toward authoritarian practices. If this is allowed to stand, what remains of Sierra Leone’s democracy?

3. A Chilling Effect on Future Protests:

• This act of suppression aims to deter others from engaging in peaceful protest. By targeting the signatories, the authorities are sending a clear message: diverse views will not be tolerated.
• If the disaggregated results from the June 24, 2023 elections are not released and the protest cannot proceed as planned, it will embolden the culture of secrecy and lack of accountability in governance. Citizens will feel increasingly powerless, and democracy will suffer.

4. Economic and Social Impacts:

• Political instability caused by such actions can deter foreign investments, harm Sierra Leone’s international reputation, and exacerbate economic hardships for ordinary citizens.
• Citizens have a vested interest in ensuring transparent governance, as it directly impacts their livelihoods, public services, and national progress.

The Role of the International Community

The International Community has a critical role to play in this moment of crisis. The suppression of peaceful protests and arbitrary arrests demand global attention and action.

1. Upholding Human Rights. Organizations like the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS must hold Sierra Leone accountable to its commitments under international human rights treaties. Arbitrary arrests and suppression of peaceful diverse opinions violate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
2. Preventing Regional Instability. Sierra Leone’s political stability is crucial to maintaining peace in the West African region. Undemocratic practices can destabilize neighboring countries, triggering broader regional consequences.

• Pressure for Transparency. International actors, including the European Union Election Observation Mission and organizations like the Carter Center, must call for the immediate publication of disaggregated election results to ensure electoral transparency.

1. Sanctions and Diplomatic Leverage. The international community should consider sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and other measures to compel the Bio administration to uphold democratic norms and release the detained organizers.

A Call to Action:

We call on every Sierra Leonean, regardless of political affiliation, to recognize the gravity of this situation and demand:

1. The immediate release of Mr. Thomas Babadi and Mr. Maddie Williams.
2. Transparency regarding their detention and the charges they face.
3. Public assurance that their right to protest will be respected, as guaranteed by the Constitution.
4. The immediate publication of disaggregated election results to ensure electoral accountability.

Why the December 10, 2024 Protest Must Proceed?

The planned December 10, 2024 protest is not just about election results – it is a litmus test for democracy in Sierra Leone. If the disaggregated results are not released, and if the protest is suppressed:

4 · It signals the death of accountability in governance. It empowers those who wish to suppress diverse perspectives, leaving citizens powerless to demand change.

• It erodes public trust, pushing Sierra Leone closer to instability and authoritarianism.

This is not just about December 10, 2024 protest. It is about preserving the rights of future generations to speak out, demand transparency, and shape a democratic nation.

A Warning Against Silence:

Silence in the face of injustice enables oppression to grow. If Sierra Leoneans allow this moment to pass without outrage, it will embolden those in power to further suppress freedoms and entrench corruption.

Our United Voice:

This is a pivotal moment for Sierra Leone. We must stand together – citizens, civil society, and the international community – to demand justice, accountability, and respect for democratic principles. Let us ensure that Sierra Leone remains a beacon of hope and freedom, not a cautionary tale of lost democracy.

SLAM remains steadfast in our mission to promote democracy, protect human rights, and hold our leaders accountable for their actions and inactions. For further information or enquiries, please contact the Director-General 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
• Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria & Chairman of ECOWAS
• Oumar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission
• Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former VP of The Gambia
• E Nana Akufo Addo, President of Ghana
• Bassiru Faye, President of Senegal
• Mamadi Doumbouya, President of Guinea
• 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