The intending 2028 flag bearer of the All People’s Congress (APC) party, Dr. Richard Konteh has strongly condemned the proposed Counterterrorism Act 2024, currently being discussed in the Sierra Leone Parliament.

Dr. Konteh said although this legislation was introduced with the stated aim of curbing terrorism, it contains provisions that go beyond its intended purpose and strike at the very heart of Sierra Leone’s democratic foundations.

He said, the proposed law represents a grave and dangerous assault on the country fundamental civil liberties, including the right to free speech, freedom of the press, freedom of conscience, and the right to peaceful assembly.

He revealed that as opposition he believes it is both unconstitutional and counterproductive to national unity and peace.

Key Concerns highlighted by Dr. Konteh is the criminalization of dissent.

He stated, that the law grants the government sweeping powers to designate individuals or organizations as “terrorists” based on the mere suspicion of opposition to government policies.

He informed that this dangerously broad language could lead to the silencing of critics, journalists, and activists who raise legitimate concerns about governance, human rights, and corruption.

Another concern is the violation of Constitutional Rights, stating that sections of the proposed law directly contradicts Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental rights of all citizens.

In particular, he said it undermines the protections of freedom of speech and expression, essential to any thriving democracy.

He went on that, another concern is the unaccountable Powers to Government Officials, which he stated that this law proposes giving significant powers to government ministers and unelected officials, including imposing sanctions and confiscating assets under the guise of counterterrorism.

“This creates the potential for politically motivated actions that threaten the freedoms of Sierra Leoneans” he said.

He reiterated that the lack of Public Consultation which he said the speed, at which this law is being pushed through Parliament, without proper debate or public consultation, is deeply concerning.

He maintained that such an important piece of legislation deserves to be thoroughly debated with all stakeholders, including the media, civil society, and the people it seeks to govern.

He added that the chilling effect on Media and Journalism, stating that “We have already witnessed increased hostility toward independent media in Sierra Leone, particularly outlets such as the Africanist Press. This law would provide a legal basis for silencing any media outlet that dares to hold power to account, undermining the free press essential to democracy” he added.

He however stand firmly for a democratic Sierra Leone, where citizens can freely express their views, challenge authority, and demand accountability and he strongly oppose any attempt to use the guise of counterterrorism to silence political opposition, civil society, and the media.

“I urge Parliament to halt the passage of this draconian law and to prioritize a more inclusive and transparent approach to governance. A government that is truly committed to the welfare of its citizens must respect their fundamental rights and freedoms rather than imposing restrictive laws to control them” he stated.

This law, Dr Richard Conteh said is not just an attack on democracy; it is an attack on the very principles that Sierra Leoneans have fought to uphold for decades. It is time to reclaim the country’s democratic values and ensure that we do not allow any government to stifle the voices of the people.

“I call on all citizens, political leaders, civil society organizations, and the international community to stand together in opposing this Counterterrorism Act 2024. We must protect our freedoms and safeguard the future of Sierra Leone by ensuring that the laws passed in our Parliament serve to protect the interests of the people, not to serve the interests of the few in power” he affirmed.

He asked all to remember that a democracy is only as strong as the freedom of its people to speak truth to power. It is time for accountability, transparency, and the protection of our civil rights.