Subject: Letter of Gratitude to All Patriotic Sierra Leoneans

Dear Courageous and Resilient People of Sierra Leone,

The Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement (SLAM) writes with reference to the above, and hereby wishes to heartily thank the courageous and resilient Sierra Leoneans who turned out in their numbers on December 10, 2024 to protest against the continued refusal by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to produce the disaggregated results of the June 24, 2023 elections in Sierra Leone. (Photo: The heroes of democracy on Dec 10).

The courage displayed by you, our compatriots, is a testament to your resilience and your unwavering belief in justice. The protest sent a powerful message to the world: “democracy thrives when citizens hold their leaders accountable, and truth remains the ultimate weapon against deceit”. Moreover, your commendable turnout portrayed the following:

The Power of a United People. December 10, 2024, marked a historic day where your collective voices resounded with undeniable strength. Your peaceful action has proven that the power of a united people is unshakable. SLAM commends your courage and determination in rising for truth and justice, showing the world that Sierra Leoneans will not be silenced in the face of dishonesty and oppression.

The Sacredness of Elections: A Fight for Our Future. Elections are the heartbeat of democracy, reflecting the will of the people and the trust in governance. To undermine this sacred process is to steal our collective future. Your peaceful protest is a fight against lies that corrupt not only elections but every facet of governance: education, infrastructure, economic prospects, and beyond. By demanding transparency, you are fighting for a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans.

Our Strength Is Peace. Your power was demonstrated in your peaceful resistance on December 10. Violence may be the weapon of those who fear the truth, but you have shown that our weapon is far mightier – our voice, our unity, and our courage to stand for what is right! During the protest, you resisted intimidation and stood together with dignity, proving that Sierra Leoneans are not enemies to one another. Those who sought to divide us with guns, tanks, and tear gasses have only revealed their fear of accountability. Despite these obstacles, you showcased solidarity – not only in your voices but in your actions. People shared food, water, and medical supplies, and celebrated the collective spirit of a nation striving for truth. Your peaceful protest reaffirmed a cornerstone of democracy: the right to gather and express dissent without fear. This right is vital to exchanging ideas and innovations that are essential for our progress as a nation. Let the example of your peaceful protest stand echo as a powerful reminder that Sierra Leoneans are united and unwavering in their pursuit of justice and dignity. (Photo: The organisers, Mr Thomas Babadi and Mr Maddie Williams are still detained).

Recognizing Your Sacrifice: Gratitude for Answering the Call.  SLAM deeply acknowledges the sacrifice and resilience you displayed during the protest. You braved unjust arrests, tear gas, and barricades, but your spirit was unbroken. Your courage in the face of these challenges reflects the heart of a people who will not back down in their pursuit of truth and accountability. These actions are a reminder of the challenges we face in our quest for a transparent and just society. But know this: the reported arrests, every tear gas, every voice silenced, and every hand raised in protest will not go in vain. We are documenting these injustices and will ensure they are brought to the attention of international partners and advocates for democracy worldwide. To those who supported this movement through acts of kindness – providing food, water, medical care, and solidarity – your contributions are the lifeblood of our cause. You have shown that while the Bio administration may seek to silence us, the bonds of unity among Sierra Leoneans remain unshaken. Your sacrifices and generosity have proven that together, we can stand against lies and injustice. Your actions inspire hope and confidence that our nation can rise above oppression and build a future where governance reflects the will of the people. The strength you have demonstrated is a testament to the unyielding resolve of Sierra Leoneans to protect democracy and demand justice.

SLAM deeply acknowledges the sacrifice and resilience you displayed during the protest. You braved unjust arrests, tear gas, and barricades, but your spirit was unbroken. Your courage in the face of these challenges reflects the heart of a people who will not back down in their pursuit of truth and accountability. These actions are a reminder of the challenges we face in our quest for a transparent and just society. But know this: the reported arrests. Every tear gas, every voice silenced, and every hand raised in protest will not go in vein. We are documenting these injustices and will ensure they are brought to the attention of international partners and advocates for democracy worldwide. To those who supported this movement through acts of kindness – providing food, water, medical care, and solidarity – your contributions are the lifeblood of our cause. You have shown that while the Bio administration may seek to silence us, the bonds of unity among Sierra Leoneans remain unshaken. Your sacrifices and generosity have proven that together, we can stand against lies and injustice.

Your actions inspire hope and confidence that our nation can rise above oppression and build a future where governance reflects the will of the people. The strength you have demonstrated is a testament to the unyielding resolve of Sierra Leoneans to protect democracy and demand justice. Together, we must show that we are stronger than the forces seeking to divide us. Learning from history, we can draw inspiration from the triumphs of Ghana and Liberia, where peaceful movements and transparent elections restored dignity and trust in governance. In these countries, leaders and citizens alike recognized that unity and integrity are more powerful than division and deceit. We must channel their successes as a guide for our journey forward. The road ahead may be long, but history assures us that truth prevails when people stand firm in their convictions. Let this be a moment that defines Sierra Leone as a beacon of resilience and integrity – a nation where governance reflects the will of the people and where democracy thrives. 4 7.

A Call to Action: United We Stand. To all Sierra Leoneans, whether at home or abroad, this is our moment to solidify the progress made and push forward with even greater resolve. The December 10 protest was a demonstration of our collective strength, but the journey toward justice and accountability is far from over. Now is the time to amplify our voices, build on the momentum, and ensure that the demands for truth and transparency are met with action. Our movement requires the active participation of every citizen. Whether through peaceful protests, raising awareness, contributing resources, or sharing messages of hope and solidarity, every effort counts. Let us learn from nations like Ghana and Liberia, where persistent, peaceful advocacy led to transparency in governance and the restoration of dignity and unity. (Photo: ECSL crook Mohamed Konneh and his criminal boss Maada Bio).

These examples prove that systemic change is possible when people stand united in their demand for justice. Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, your role is critical. Your resources, expertise, and advocacy amplify the call for accountability. Engage with international partners, raise awareness in your communities, and mobilize support for the ongoing efforts to reclaim the integrity of our democracy. Together, we can bridge the gap between local actions and global advocacy. As we move forward, let us remember that our power lies in our unity and our commitment to peaceful resistance.

Our vision is clear: a Sierra Leone where democracy thrives, where the will of the people is respected, and where governance is rooted in truth and justice. This vision is within our reach if we remain steadfast and united. To those who seek to undermine our efforts through lies and intimidation, let it be known that the spirit of Sierra Leone cannot be broken. No amount of suppression can silence a people determined to reclaim their future. Let us continue to march forward with courage, resilience, and the unwavering belief that together, we can create the Sierra Leone we all deserve. We once again wish to thank you for your courage and resilience, whilst reassuring you of our continued solidarity and cooperation in our collective fight for the administration of “electoral justice” in our beloved nation.

Yours faithfully,

Dr. Alfred A. Veenod Fullah DIRECTOR-GENERAL:

CC:

• Office of the President of Sierra Leone
• Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL)
• 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
• 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