Government Orders Nationwide Suspension of Secret Society Activities During Census
Aaron Parker The Government of Sierra Leone has ordered the temporary suspension of all secret society activities across the country to ensure the peaceful and successful conduct of the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
The directive, issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs in a public notice dated November 12, 2026, takes immediate effect and will remain in force throughout the census exercise and the immediate post-census period, ending on December 31, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the suspension is intended to protect census personnel, prevent disruptions to enumeration activities and ensure that all eligible residents are available to be counted without restrictions associated with traditional or secret society activities.
The Ministry explained that initiation ceremonies, traditional gatherings, processions and other related activities could potentially interfere with census operations and create security concerns, including conflicts, intimidation and misunderstandings within communities.
Under the directive, all Paramount Chiefs, Chiefdom Authorities and secret society leaders are required to suspend initiation ceremonies and other related activities. No new initiation activities or associated ceremonies are to be organised or conducted during the stipulated period.
The notice further warns that no secret society-related activity should obstruct, threaten, intimidate or prevent census officials from carrying out their responsibilities.
Traditional authorities, including Paramount Chiefs, Section Chiefs, Town Chiefs and Village Heads, have also been instructed to work closely with security agencies and census authorities to ensure compliance. Any disagreements or security concerns arising from the directive are expected to be reported to the appropriate local authorities for peaceful resolution.
While acknowledging the cultural, traditional and historical importance of secret societies in Sierra Leonean communities, the Ministry emphasised that the national importance of the census requires the cooperation of all citizens and traditional institutions.
The Government is therefore calling on traditional leaders, secret society members and other community stakeholders to demonstrate patriotism, restraint and cooperation to ensure the successful completion of the 2026 Population and Housing Census and the collection of accurate population and housing data.
