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The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) issued a strong warning on April 23 condemning alleged threats and inciting language from senior political figures, stating that such rhetoric endangers Sierra Leone’s democracy and ongoing national unity efforts.
The intervention comes just days after the April 20 conclusion of the Third Joint Assessment Mission of the International Moral Guarantors, who had explicitly urged political leaders, party executives, and citizens to reject hate speech and disinformation.
The Commission stated it is treating reports of inciting statements currently circulating on social media and in public discourse “with the utmost seriousness.”
While not singling out specific individuals, the ICPNC declared that any language—whether spoken in jest, during political rhetoric, or in the heat of campaigning—that incites violence, threatens death, or dehumanizes citizens based on political affiliation is “wholly unacceptable.”
“Sierra Leone’s peace has been hard-won,” the Commission noted in its statement. “No citizen should ever be made to feel that their life, their livelihood, or the safety of their family is imperiled because of how they choose to vote or which party they choose to support.”
To de-escalate tensions and protect public safety, the Commission issued immediate directives across multiple sectors:
Political Leaders & Officials: Must exercise the “utmost restraint” in public communications and conduct themselves with dignity.
Political Parties: Both the ruling party and all opposition groups are urged to issue clear guidance to supporters that intimidation will not be tolerated, and to apply internal disciplinary measures against violators.
Law Enforcement: Directed to closely monitor the situation and act promptly and impartially against credible threats to public safety, regardless of the political standing of those involved.
The Media: Instructed to report responsibly, verify statements before amplifying them, and refuse to serve as instruments of political provocation.
Citizens & Religious Bodies: Urged to reject divisive rhetoric and protect their neighbors regardless of political affiliation.
Beyond addressing the immediate security concerns, the ICPNC stressed that all stakeholders must decisively shift their focus to the “full and faithful implementation of the eight points agreement” reached between the Government of Sierra Leone and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC).
The Commission views the delivery of these commitments as the primary measure of good faith for all parties involved. Warning that inflammatory rhetoric is a direct threat to the nation’s implementation agenda, the ICPNC stated it will actively monitor developments and intervene where necessary.
“Peace is not the property of any party,” the statement concluded. “It belongs to every Sierra Leonean, and this Commission will defend it on behalf of them all.”
