“In a press release dated February 21, 2025, the Forum for Sierra Leonean Youth Network (FOSLYN), a recognized civil society organization, strongly refuted allegations of criminal activity, following the 10-day incarceration of its Executive Director, Thomas Babadi, by the Sierra Leone Police over his call for a peaceful protest for electoral justice as provided by law.
Given the circumstances above, the Forum for Sierra Leonean Youth Network (FOSLYN) through its Executive Director, Thomas Babadi, declared:
“We reject in total the label of criminals and the attempt to implicate us in committing a state crime. This is unacceptable. Sierra Leone is not a police state, but a democracy and should not be allowed to decline into one. If law-abiding individuals are arbitrarily detained and subjected to criminal investigations at the whims and caprices of the Sierra Leone Police, then we are no longer practicing democracy, but (operating under) a GESTAPO”
The press release outlined the legal and constitutional basis for FOSLYN’s planned peaceful assembly, citing Chapter 3 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which guarantees fundamental human rights, including freedom of speech, assembly, and the right to life. Babadi also referenced the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which upholds similar freedoms, including due process, fair trial, freedom of expression, and political participation.
According to Babadi, FOSLYN formally notified the Inspector General of Police of their intention to peacefully remind the Electoral Commission of its unfulfilled commitment to announce the disputed presidential election results by constituency. However, rather than upholding democratic rights, the police responded by arresting and detaining him for 10 days.
Babadi reaffirmed FOSLYN’s stance, arguing that their right to peacefully assembly is protected by law. He pointed out that Mohammed Kenawi Konneh, the Electoral Commissioner of Sierra Leone, had publicly pledged to release the election results by constituency, but has failed to fulfill that promise. This, he insisted, justified their demand for accountability and transparency.
A Troubling Shift Away from Democracy
The 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone guarantees fundamental freedoms, and these are further reinforced by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. However, recent events suggest a disturbing shift away from these democratic principles. The arbitrary detention of FOSLYN members for 10 days—despite the Inspector General’s assurances that peaceful assemblies with identifiable leadership are allowed—raises serious concerns about the state of democracy in Sierra Leone.
Criminalizing law-abiding citizens for exercising their constitutional rights erodes public trust in government institutions and weakens the foundations of democracy. Civil society organizations play a critical role in holding institutions accountable, and it is in this spirit that FOSLYN has questioned the Electoral Commission’s failure to honor its commitment.
It is imperative that the government and law enforcement agencies uphold both national and international legal provisions that protect fundamental human rights. The recent suppression of FOSLYN’s peaceful assembly serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in safeguarding civil liberties.
Defending Democracy and Civil Liberties
The power of the people must remain paramount to prevent Sierra Leone from slipping into authoritarianism. In a true democracy, no individual or institution is above scrutiny, and the right to question and hold leaders accountable is fundamental. Preserving Sierra Leone’s democratic integrity requires a collective commitment to upholding these principles.