The enabling environment for civil society in Sierra Leone remained significantly restricted from late 2025 into early 2026. Authorities continued to rely heavily on Section 44 of the Cyber Security and Crime Act (2021) and the outdated 1965 Public Order Act to suppress criticism, limit public assembly, and target activists, journalists, lawyers, and ordinary citizens. Concerns intensified with the introduction of the Counter Terrorism Act (2024), which lacks sufficient safeguards to distinguish legitimate civic activity from security‑related offences, increasing the risk of misuse.
Several incidents illustrate this deteriorating trend. Civil society leaders faced political attacks, including defamatory statements made against Marcella Samba‑Sesay of National Election Watch by an SLPP Member of Parliament. Environmental activist Trevor Young was arrested after documenting alleged police misconduct, while lawyer Lansana Dumbuya was charged with incitement for publicly criticising President Bio. Democracy advocate Augustine Marrah also faced attempts at disbarment after calling for judicial accountability. Meanwhile, police have been accused of being used to support the Minister of Social Welfare in a dispute targeting staff of Lifeline Nehemiah Project and community members.
Civil society operations are further constrained by the rigid NGO Policy Framework, which imposes burdensome registration and renewal requirements and restricts organisational autonomy. Prospects for reform remain unclear, while reductions in international funding—including cuts from major development partners—have further weakened CSO sustainability. Government engagement with civil society has grown increasingly selective, focusing primarily on development‑oriented actors while resisting election‑monitoring and accountability‑focused organisations. Scrutiny of groups such as the National Election Watch has intensified following their 2023 Parallel Vote Tabulation findings.
The digital space also remains insecure. The Cybercrime Act is frequently applied to shield officials from scrutiny, often in tandem with incitement charges under the Public Order Act. Implementation of the Counter Terrorism Act is expected to reinforce this pattern, expanding the legal tools available to deter dissent, monitor activists, and criminalise criticism. Together, these dynamics reflect a continued erosion of the enabling environment for civil society in Sierra Leone.
