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Citizens across all 16 districts of Sierra Leone, backed by a coalition of nine civil society and media organizations, have filed formal Right to Access Information (RAI) requests demanding the names and direct contact numbers of all current Members of Parliament (MPs).
The 28 separate requests were submitted to the Clerk of Parliament on February 19. The coordinated effort stems from growing public frustration over an inability to communicate with elected officials, particularly as debates continue regarding the 2025 Constitution Amendment Bill.
According to the coalition, only about 19 percent of current MPs have telephone numbers listed on the official Parliament website. Organizers emphasized that for the majority of Sierra Leoneans—especially those living outside of Freetown or in rural areas without internet access—direct phone calls remain the only practical way to engage with their representatives.
“Many report not knowing who their MPs are nor how to reach them,” the coalition stated. “This lack of access leaves citizens feeling excluded from legislative processes that shape their rights, governance, livelihoods, and future.”
The campaign is being spearheaded by prominent organizations including Citizens’ Barray, Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), the 50/50 Group, the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), among others.
The groups cited the Right to Access Information Act of 2013, reminding Parliament that it is legally obligated not only to respond to these requests but to proactively disclose how the public can reach their elected officials.
Advocates are calling on Parliament to act swiftly to release the requested information, framing the move as a necessary step to build a truly “Open Parliament” and restore trust between the government and the people it represents. They are also encouraging citizens nationwide to continue utilizing the Right to Access Information Act to push for further legislative transparency.
