By Jariatu S. Bangura
Sierra Leone’s Parliament has enacted the Counter-Terrorism Act, 2025 after extensive deliberations and civil liberty concerns, but government claims the Act aims to bolster national security by preventing, detecting, and prosecuting acts of terrorism.
The new legislation establishes the National Counter-Terrorism Coordination Committee, defines terrorism-related offenses, enforces measures against terrorist financing, and prohibits financial support for terrorism.
Additionally, the law proposes the creation of three new law enforcement bodies: two National Counter-Terrorism Committees and a Counter-Terrorism Fusion Center, which will be jointly managed by government ministers, financial institutions, and security agencies.
Despite its national security objectives, the law has sparked concerns among activists and legal experts. Critics argue that certain provisions are vaguely worded, potentially threatening civil liberties such as freedom of speech, expression, and movement.
There are fears that the legislation could be misused to suppress dissent and target political opponents.
Legislative Committee Chairman Hon. Sulaiman Marray Conteh stated that concerns raised by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and other groups had been addressed when the bill was reviewed by the committee.
He also confirmed that the opposition had proposed amendments, which were incorporated but remained subject to parliamentary approval.
Deputy Opposition Leader Hon. Daniel Koroma called for an additional clause clarifying that acts of advocacy, protest, dissent, and industrial action should not be classified as terrorism under the law.
The provision also asserts that political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, or religious motivations should not be used as a justification for prosecution or extradition under terrorism charges.
Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo referenced a 2011 meeting in Malabo, where a counter-terrorism model law was adopted to prevent ruling parties from exploiting such legislation against their opponents.
He acknowledged that while the bill’s drafters followed parts of this model, they initially left out key exemptions.
“We are pleased that the ruling party listened to our concerns and made the necessary amendments,” Hon. Kargbo remarked.
With Parliament’s approval, the Counter-Terrorism Act, 2025 now awaits implementation, amid ongoing debates about balancing security with civil rights protections.
