Mr. Julius Maada Bio,

Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh (Ph.D.)

David Moinina Sengeh (Ph.D.)

All Those Concerned,

February 1, 2025

Fellow Country Men,

SUBJECT: OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF MINISTER & OTHER OFFICIALS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE

We, members of the Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement (SLAM), write to you out of deep concern for the present and future of our beloved nation. We come from different walks of life, varied political affiliations, and diverse communities. Yet, considering the overwhelming crises confronting our nation – uniting us beyond political party lines – we have, after careful deliberation, resolutely decided to call on the three of you to promptly tender your resignations, ensuring the restoration of peace, stability, and enduring prosperity for our beloved country, Sierra Leone. (Photo: Juldeh and Maada Bio).

We acknowledge the need for an independent investigation into the serious allegations surrounding your administration. However, this should not serve as an excuse to delay necessary action. Notwithstanding the investigation, you should step down immediately to prevent any opportunity to manipulate the process and buy time.

A Nation in Peril: Today, Sierra Leone is on the precipice of a national disaster brought about by the scourge of drug trafficking and, above all, the crisis of illegitimacy of your regime. Alarming evidence – ranging from intercepted shipments of cocaine to alleged misuse of diplomatic privileges involving the smuggling of illicit substances across borders – has shaken the trust the country has in its institutions. It is deeply troubling that while our youth languish in poverty and fall prey to addiction to drugs, you and other senior officials of your administration stand accused of encouraging and facilitating this dangerous and damaging enterprise.

Why This Matters to Every Sierra Leonean

1. Threat to Our Youth: Drug addiction does not discriminate based on political party or social status. It robs our young people of their potential, disrupts families, and ravages entire communities. Many of our brightest minds, future leaders, and hardworking youths are being lost to addiction, leaving behind broken homes and shattered dreams. If this crisis is not addressed, an entire generation may be condemned to a life of despair, crime, and hopelessness, thereby erasing the progress our nation has fought so hard to achieve.
2. Economic Damage: The very presence of an active drug network erodes investor confidence, deters tourism, and undermines legitimate businesses. As a result, ordinary Sierra Leoneans bear the brunt through stagnating wages, lost opportunities, and a tarnished international image. Local businesses struggle as drug-related crime drives away customers, while international financial institutions may hesitate to engage with a country tainted by illicit activities. If left unchecked, this economic deterioration will push more people into poverty, forcing many into dangerous, unorthodox and even illegal means of survival.
3. Corruption and Governance: Where drug trafficking thrives, corruption often flourishes. The rule of law weakens, criminals are emboldened, and the public loses faith in its leaders. This vicious cycle of corruption and crime cripples our nation’s growth, divides communities, and foments long-lasting instability. Law enforcement agencies become compromised, justice is sold to the highest bidder, and those who should be protecting the people instead protect criminal enterprises. Without accountability, governance descends into lawlessness, and the very institutions meant to uphold democracy and order become tools of oppression and personal enrichment.
4. International Reputations: Sierra Leone’s credibility in the eyes of the world is at stake. Our beloved country, whose people strive daily for peace and prosperity, cannot accept their country to be labeled a hub for narcotics-trafficking. Such a reputation not only isolates us diplomatically but also undermines the trust of development partners and foreign investors. Once a nation is branded as a haven for drug traffickers, its citizens face increased scrutiny abroad, visa restrictions, and diminished respect in global forums. Our hard-earned efforts to build a respected and thriving nation will be undone, leaving us isolated and struggling to regain international confidence.
5. A Crisis Beyond Party Lines: Our children deserve a future unmarred by the chaos and brutality that drug abuse breeds. They must be free to pursue their education, develop their talents, and dream of a brighter tomorrow – safe from the devastation of addiction and the violence it brings. Under Section 13 of the Constitution, it is the duty of every Sierra Leonean to “make positive and useful contributions to the well-being of the community.” We call upon all citizens to fulfill this duty by demanding an end to drug trafficking which is taking place on your watch and administration.

Our communities deserve to thrive in environments free from crime and violence. Only when our neighborhoods are secure can businesses flourish, families grow in peace, and the social fabric of our nation remains strong and united. Your administration’s failure to arrest the drug epidemic in the country violates its primary obligation under Section 5 of the Constitution.

Our country deserves leaders who place national well-being above personal gain. True leadership demands moral courage and an unwavering commitment to the people, ensuring that decisions are guided by the greater good rather than narrow interests. As stated in Section 6(5) of the Constitution, the state must actively fight corruption – yet the actions of your administration show the opposite. (Photo: Maada and David Sengeh).

A Duty to Protect t, Not Exploit: Mr. President, the Constitution of Sierra Leone, under Section 5(2)(b), clearly states that “the security, peace, and welfare of the people of Sierra Leone shall be the primary purpose and responsibility of Government.” However, under your leadership, the country has become a transit hub for drug trafficking, putting every citizen at risk. Your administration has not only failed to protect the youth from drug abuse, but has allegedly enabled the trafficking networks that threaten our national security. This constitutes a fundamental breach of duty and may amount to gross misconduct.

Furthermore, Section 6(5) of the Constitution obliges the government to “take all steps to eradicate all corrupt practices and the abuse of power.” Yet, under your administration, corruption and drug-related criminal activities have flourished. The presence of illegal narcotics within government channels and the lack of accountability have eroded the people’s trust in governance.

We acknowledge that Sierra Leone, like many nations, is not perfect. Our country has endured civil conflict, public health emergencies, and natural disasters. Yet, the resilience and determination of our people have always guided us forward. We cannot, therefore, allow the ongoing drug crisis to erode and undo our hard-won gains in peace and development.

Our Call for Your Resignation: We, SLAM, write on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone who, in their countless numbers, have called on us to demand the immediate resignation of the President, the Vice President, the Chief Minister, and all other officials implicated in these grave allegations. In light of these grave concerns, we respectfully and firmly request that you:

1. Public Declare Accountability: Address the nation with full transparency regarding the allegations of drug trafficking and corruption. This includes clarifying the role of any government officials implicated in illicit activities. The people of Sierra Leone deserve honesty from those entrusted with leadership. Your loud silence, denial, or deflection have only deepened public mistrust and fueled speculation about the involvement of high-level officials of your administration. True leadership requires confronting these allegations head-on, with a commitment to truth and justice, rather than avoidance or manipulation.
2. Step Down from Office: Recognize that when a leader is mired in accusations so severe, it is in the best interest of the nation for them to relinquish power. Resignation is a path toward restoring faith in our democratic institutions and allowing a fresh start in governance. A leader who refuses to step down in the face of overwhelming accusations of impropriety and dereliction of duty prioritizes personal power over national stability. By resigning, you do not admit guilt; rather, you demonstrate respect for the country and its democratic processes, allowing an impartial review to determine the truth.
3. Facilitate Independent Investigations: Ensure full cooperation with independent bodies – both domestic and international – to investigate the scope of drug trafficking operations. Genuine accountability will not be possible without open access to evidence and the protection of whistle-blowers. Justice cannot be served if investigations are obstructed or manipulated. A truly transparent process requires allowing external, impartial investigators to follow the evidence wherever it leads, without fear of intimidation or political interference. Those who have nothing to hide should welcome such scrutiny as a means of proving their integrity. These actions are necessary to begin healing the nation’s wounds, reaffirming the rule of law, and unequivocally demonstrating that no individual stands above the interest of their people.

Setting a definitive timeline: Your de facto Government must resign within one month of the date of this press release. Failure to do so will compel us to demand that Parliament initiate impeachment proceedings. Sierra Leone cannot afford indefinite delays in addressing these grave concerns. The responsibility now lies with those in power to act swiftly and decisively in the nation’s best interest. 5 Failure to Resign: Parliament Must Act – Should you refuse to resign; we call on the Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone to fulfill its constitutional mandate. Section 51 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 6) 1991 (as amended), provides for the removal of the President on grounds of misconduct. Facilitating or allowing drug trafficking and corruption constitutes gross misconduct within the meaning, purpose, and spirit enshrined in Section 51 of the 1991 Constitution. If Parliament fails to act, it would be an abdication of the Constitutional duty and responsibility which the elected Members of Parliament collectively owe to the people of Sierra Leone. This stance aligns with Section 77 of the 1991 Constitution, which unequivocally states that Members of Parliament are elected to serve the people – not merely their political party.

Additionally, we recognize that the Parliament is majority-controlled by the party that supports the President, but as Section 77 states, MPs serve the people, not just their political party. We implore them to vote not for their party, but for their families, children, and the future of Sierra Leone. The time for action is now! Appeal to Parliament: Uphold the Constitution and Protect Our Future – Should the President refuse or delay his resignation, we call upon the Parliament of Sierra Leone to fulfill its constitutional mandate. While it is well known that the majority in Parliament belongs to the party that supports the President, Members of Parliament must remember that their primary duty is to serve every Sierra Leonean – regardless of political affiliation.

Our country deserves leaders who place national wellbeing above personal gain. True leadership demands moral courage and an unwavering commitment to the people, ensuring that decisions are guided by the greater good rather than narrow interests. A nation rises or falls on the integrity of its leaders. If those in power prioritize wealth and self-preservation over justice and progress, then they betray not only their office but every citizen who placed their trust in them. Sierra Leone needs leaders who will stand for the people, not profit from their suffering.

A Call to Our Fellow Citizens: To Sierra Leoneans everywhere – in Freetown, Makeni, Bo, Kenema, Kono, Kambia, and beyond, as well as the diaspora across Europe, North America, Asia, and elsewhere – we urge unity and vigilance. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard the soul of our nation. Let us shed fear and divisions and stand firm as one people determined to protect our homeland from the clutches of drug trafficking, corruption, and violence.

Conclusion: Sierra Leoneans have a constitutional rig ht to demand accountability and justice. Leadership is sacred trust. If that trust is undermined by serious allegations of complicity in or tolerance for drug trafficking, remaining in office only deepens national strife. For the dignity of your offices, for the protection of our children, and for the future of our beloved Sierra Leone, we implore you – the President, the Vice President, the Chief Minister, and all implicated officials – to step aside and allow the country to renew its commitment to justice, accountability, and hope.

If the President, Vice President, Chief Minister, and all implicated officials do not step down, we expect Parliament to commence impeachment proceedings if resignation does not occur within the set one-month deadline. We also remind every Sierra Leonean of their constitutional right under Section 13 to demand accountability from their leaders.

To Parliament, the eyes of the world – and of every man, woman, and child in Sierra Leone – are upon you. You have a constitutional duty, as outlined in Section 77, to act in the best interest of the nation, not just your political party. You have the power to act with integrity and courage, transcending party loyalties to defend the Constitution and the people who elected you. Your actions – or inactions – will echo through generations. By upholding the constitution and defending the people’s rights, you honor the sacred duty entrusted to you as representatives of our diverse and determined nation. We hold each of you – the Executive and President and Parliament alike – responsible for a better, stronger, and freer Sierra Leone. May this crisis transform into an opportunity for renewal, for it is often in our darkest moments that we find our greatest resolve.

P.S. We invite you to explore our recently published analysis in a book, “Building a Nation: Good Governance and Democratic Principles in Sierra Leone.” As we unite for change in 2025, this resource provides valuable insights for activists, policymakers, and concerned citizens committed to Sierra Leone’s transformation. Find it here: link.

Yours faithfully,

Dr. Alfred A. Veenod Fullah DIRECTOR-GENERAL

CC: Office of the President of Sierra Leone

• Office of the Vice President of Sierra Leone
• Speaker of the Sierra Leone House of Parliament
• Office of the Chief Minister of the Government of Sierra Leone
• Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL)
• Inspector General of Sierra Leone Police
• Chief of Defence Staff, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF)
• Office of National Security, Sierra Leone
• Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion
• Leonardo Santos Simao, Representative of the Secretary-General & Head of UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)
• African Union (AU)
• Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
• Amnesty International
• Marco Rubio, United States Secretary of States
• Vice President, Congressional and Public Affairs
• The Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General
• Karim Ahmad Khan, Chief Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC)
• Richard YOUNG, Chief de Division, Afrique de l’Ouest
• Ms. Ursula Von Der Lyen, European Commissioner
• The United Nations Representative in Sierra Leone
• H. E. Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria & Chairman of ECOWAS
• H. E. Oumar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission
• Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former VP of The Gambia
• H.E Nana Akufo Addo, President of Ghana
• H. E. Bassiru Faye, President of Senegal
• H.E. Mamadi Doumbouya, President of Guinea
• H.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
• H.E Fatimata Dia, Ambassador of Senegal to the UK&I
• H.E Gurly T. Gibson-Schwarz, Ambassador of Liberia to the UK&I
• Her Excellency Josephine Gauld, 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
• 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
• Civil Society Movement – Sierra Leone (CSM – SL)
• Media Reform Coordinating Group of Sierra Leone (MRCG)
• Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO)
• Civil rights Defenders – Sierra Leone
• National Elections Watch (NEW) – Sierra Leone
• Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) – Sierra Leone
• Women’s Forum – Sierra Leone
• Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD)
• Sierra Leone Legal Aid Board
• Faith-Based and Interfaith Organizations – (Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone)
• Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL)
• Fourah Bay College – University of Sierra Leone
• Institute of Governance Reform (IGR)
• Youth Partnership for Peace and Development (YPPD)
• Children’s Forum Network
• Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) – Sierra Leone
• Awoko Newspaper – Sierra Leone
• Liberty TV Online – Sierra Leone
• Radio Democracy 98.1 FM Station – Sierra Leone
• The New York Times
• The Washington Post
• The USA Today
• The Cable News Network (CNN)
• The MicroSoft National Broadcast Corporation (MSNBC)
• The Fox News
• The Associated Press
• Thomson Reuters
• The National Public Radio (NPR)
• The Brookings Institution
• The Heritage Foundation
• The Center For American Progress
• The National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People (NAACP)
• The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• The MoveOn
• The Democratic National Committee
• The Republican National Committee
• The EMILY’s List
• The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
• The Sky News
• Al Jazeera
• The Independent Television (ITV)
• The Times
• The Financial Times
• The Guardian
• The Daily Telegraph

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