The West Africa Network of Activists and Media Defence Lawyers (WANAMDEL) has expressed serious concerns over the newly passed Counter-Terrorism Bill, warning that its vague language and broad provisions could endanger civil liberties and fundamental rights.
In a public statement released May 15, WANAMDEL acknowledged the government’s responsibility to safeguard national security but said the Bill, in its current form, poses a threat to press freedom, civic participation, and democratic governance. The group is particularly alarmed by the Bill’s potential to criminalize peaceful protest, investigative journalism, and public dissent.
“We are deeply troubled by the Bill’s broad language, vague definitions, and potential to infringe on fundamental rights—particularly those of journalists, civil society actors, and peaceful citizens engaging in lawful protest or public discourse,” the statement read.
WANAMDEL argues that key sections of the proposed legislation—particularly Sections 12, 15, and 21—fail to provide adequate protections for media professionals, human rights defenders, and academics, warning that these shortcomings could be used to stifle public accountability and transparency.
The organization emphasized that several provisions of the Bill contradict both domestic and international legal obligations, including Section 25(1) of the 1991 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. WANAMDEL also cited Articles 19, 21, and 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) as standards the Bill fails to meet.
Among the most contentious elements of the legislation are its ambiguous definitions of terrorism, which include terms like “intimidation of the public” and “undermining public safety”. WANAMDEL warns that without clearer distinctions, these could be misapplied to non-violent civic actions, thereby silencing legitimate dissent.
The group further criticized the lack of judicial oversight, the application of strict liability to offenses that require intent, and disproportionate penalties such as life imprisonment, calling them “serious constitutional and human rights concerns.”
“In a country like Sierra Leone—where democratic institutions remain in a delicate state of consolidation—such legislation, if left unchecked, could be used to suppress legitimate civic activity under the guise of national security,” the group warned.
To address these concerns, WANAMDEL has called on the government to revise the Bill, adopt a narrow and violence-based definition of terrorism, and introduce explicit legal protections for civil society actors and the press. The group also urged for the inclusion of judicial safeguards and alignment of the law with both constitutional and international human rights standards.
The organization, which consists of 14 human rights defence lawyers across West Africa and is supported by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance and the rule of law.
“National security must be pursued within a framework that respects human rights and constitutional order,” WANAMDEL stated.
The Counter-Terrorism Bill is currently under legislative review at the Attorney-general’s office. WANAMDEL’s intervention adds to growing calls from the media and civil society for the government to strike a balance between security and civil liberties.