By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter, D.S
On March 11, 2025, the Parliament of Sierra Leone unanimously approved the National Counter-Terrorism Act of 2024, following a thorough review and several amendments. The legislation aims to establish a National Counter-Terrorism Coordination Committee, define terrorism-related offenses, and implement measures against terrorist financing, among other provisions.
The bill’s passage came after a detailed report presented by Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh, Chairman of the Legislative Committee, to the Committee of the Whole House. Hon. Marray-Conteh outlined the committee’s amendments, which included revisions to sentences, clauses, and penalties associated with terrorism offenses. The bill was introduced by Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Saptiru Elizabeth Saccoh.
Cross-party support was evident as both ruling and opposition members of Parliament backed the bill, highlighting a collective commitment to enhancing national security. The legislation will become law upon receiving the President’s assent.
A key aspect of the Counter-Terrorism Act is its focus on balancing security with civil liberties. The Office of the Attorney General, alongside Parliament members, incorporated exclusions from the African Union Model Anti-Terrorism Law, ensuring the following activities are not classified as terrorism:
- Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly
- Labor actions, strikes, and peaceful protests
- Advocacy or political opposition through democratic means
- Non-violent civil disobedience movements, provided they do not pose a serious risk to public safety
Following the bill’s final approval, Deputy Minister Saccoh expressed her satisfaction, underscoring the legislation’s significance in bolstering Sierra Leone’s counterterrorism efforts and meeting international obligations.
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