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Sierra Leone’s Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, has raised concerns over the growing risk of religious extremism, calling for urgent and collective action to safeguard the country’s long-standing tradition of tolerance.
Speaking at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown on March 26, Karminty addressed a gathering of government officials and religious leaders during the signing of a landmark communiqué aimed at countering hate speech and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The Minister emphasized that the initiative was not merely symbolic but a proactive step to prevent potential threats to national unity. She warned that what may appear as isolated instances of inflammatory rhetoric could evolve into a broader pattern capable of undermining social cohesion if left unchecked.
“What we are seeing is not just isolated commentary, but a pattern that, if ignored, could gradually erode the foundations of our national unity,” she stated.
The communiqué outlines a commitment by religious leaders to reject all forms of hate speech and extremism. Notably, it introduces enforcement measures designed to hold individuals accountable, including provisions that remove institutional protection for those who incite division under the guise of faith.
Karminty stressed that religion must not be misused to justify actions that threaten peace and stability. “Faith cannot be used as a shield for actions that threaten national stability,” she said.
According to the Minister, the engagement was convened as a preventive measure rather than a reaction to an existing crisis. Discussions at the forum focused on the role of religious leaders in addressing inflammatory messages delivered during sermons and the rapid spread of divisive content on digital platforms.
Participants underscored the responsibility of clerics as influential figures within society, urging them to actively monitor discourse within their communities and guide followers toward responsible communication, particularly online.
The consensus among stakeholders highlighted the need for restraint, accountability, and early intervention in addressing harmful narratives before they escalate. Religious leaders also pledged to reinforce messages of unity and tolerance, aligning with Sierra Leone’s reputation for interfaith harmony.
Karminty concluded by reaffirming the importance of preserving the nation’s identity as a peaceful and diverse society. She described the communiqué as a decisive step toward protecting that legacy for future generations.
“The strength of Sierra Leone has always been its unity in diversity,” she said. “This communiqué is about protecting that strength deliberately, decisively, and without compromise.”
The agreement notably marks a coordinated effort between government and faith-based institutions to confront emerging risks and reinforce the values of coexistence that have long defined Sierra Leone.
