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Prominent lawyer and President of the Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone, , Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah Esq., has called for a more vibrant and proactive civil society to hold politicians accountable and protect the country’s democratic gains.
Speaking during a recent interview, Marrah underscored the crucial role that civil society organizations (CSOs) play in ensuring transparency, good governance, and the rule of law. He stressed that democracy can only thrive when citizens and civic actors remain actively engaged in demanding accountability from those in power.
“Our democracy cannot survive if civil society becomes silent,” Marrah said. “We need a vibrant, fearless, and principled civil society that continues to expose wrongdoing and speak truth to power. Only through sustained vigilance can we protect our democracy and maintain peace in our country.”
He warned against complacency and the growing culture of political tolerance for corruption and abuse of power.
According to Marrah, the responsibility of safeguarding democracy lies not only with elected officials but also with the broader society, including the media, civil rights groups, and ordinary citizens, who must remain committed to defending the integrity of democratic institutions.
“Civil society must not be co-opted or silenced,” he continued. “When leaders know that their actions will be scrutinized and questioned, they are more likely to govern responsibly. Accountability is the foundation of peace and progress.”
Marrah’s remarks come at a time when Sierra Leone, like many developing democracies, continues to face challenges of political polarization, governance deficits, and public mistrust in state institutions. His call resonates strongly with ongoing national conversations about rebuilding confidence in democracy through citizen participation and institutional reform.
He also urged civil society leaders to maintain independence and professionalism, noting that the credibility of advocacy work depends on transparency, consistency, and non-partisanship. “CSOs must be driven by principles, not politics,” Marrah emphasized. “Our duty is to the people, not to political interests.”
Marrah further encouraged young activists, journalists, and community-based organizations to leverage digital platforms and civic education to amplify their voices and promote accountability at all levels of governance.
He highlighted the importance of constructive advocacy, dialogue, and evidence-based reporting in shaping a more transparent and responsible public sector.
