United States Finds Persistent Human Rights Abuses in 2023 Report on Sierra Leone
The United States Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor has released its annual report on human rights in Sierra Leone, highlighting ongoing concerns about arbitrary killings, harsh prison conditions, and limitations on freedom of assembly.
The report, covering 2023, found no significant improvement in the human rights situation compared to the previous year. It documented credible reports of extrajudicial killings by security forces, including the deaths of opposition supporters during protests in June and September.
On June 25 (the day after the June 24 elections), at the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party headquarters in Freetown, police reportedly killed a party volunteer. On June 26, police killed four other APC supporters in the town of Masiaka. During protests on September 11, police reportedly killed two more individuals.
Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate medical care were cited as creating harsh and potentially life-threatening conditions in Sierra Leone’s prisons. The report also raised concerns about arbitrary arrests and detentions, including the continued presence of political prisoners.
Restrictions on peaceful assembly were another area of concern. While the right to assemble is enshrined in the constitution, the report noted a requirement for prior police approval of demonstrations, which critics say is used to stifle dissent.
The report further addressed the prevalence of gender-based violence, discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, and serious government corruption.
National elections in June were widely reported by domestic and international observers to have logistical problems and delays on election day and a lack transparency during the tabulation process. There were reports of attempted intimidation by alleged supporters of the ruling party at some opposition APC rallies. There were also reports of threats against and intimidation of domestic observers by government and government supporters.
While the government was acknowledged to have taken some steps to address these issues, the report highlighted the persistence of impunity for human rights abuses.
Including using the name of GOD to gain political strength going to Churches and mosques at the same time (mos-chris) lol
This is not surprising, coming from USA. A country whose government is going after opposition supporters every day including the main opposition presidential candidate for their next general election. Please tell it to the birds because Sierra Leoneans are not stupid.
If porsin talk jisnor, dem go holam en putam beyen bar.
“This is not surprising, coming from USA. A country whose government is going after opposition supporters every day including the main opposition presidential candidate for their next general election. Please tell it to the birds because Sierra Leoneans are not stupid.”
We must indeed be stupid if you want us to buy your nonsense. I personally haven’t seen the report, but nothing summarized here is news to anyone. How much of a Bio bootlicker are you to try to think you can make credible statements against the article? And over in America, Trump is guilty as charge, so stop.
This is the best news for the opposition APC, the USA did not disappoint them at even though they were the cause of everything. Now we are going to hear them appreciating the USA and them supporting the USA for failing to pay the mulinuin development goal money
Autocratic leadership ever in the history of Sierra Leone
We are waiting the outcome of Maad Bio after leaving office what ICC will do towards what we are hearing
You most stupid and foolish for this rubbish comment you’re making…Think salone first…I wished your relatives could have been victims of death..
Very soon sierra le
Sanusi must be living in a utopic planet.
Mada Bio will join Charles Taylor. I would to see you be his lead defense
Finally finally finally tin don be oooo, e tay e tay e tay tin don be ooooo. The evil that men do now leaves with them. The wicked will surely pay.
Salone na country
We continue to pray for long life so we go see how this film go end. #Bio and his paopa.
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SLPP is still strong and determine to win the election in 2028
Can you please cite your source. It’s hard to trust anything posted here without citing the source for verification
Only soba minded people can understand what is on floor
USA must stop dis dirty game of incitement and political gimick , y not tolk of u harrasing Trump ahead of the fortcoming elections , unlawful killing of blaxk people by ur so called US police ?
Thank you U S A may God continue to bless America, continue the good work U S A,😊😊😊🇺🇸🇸🇱
U S A you guys are real super world, continue the good work 👍👋
Bio is not doing the bid of the West that is why they are writing all sorts of damning reports about the government and failing to pay the MCC compact fund even after winning it but those of us who voted this government understand this move very well and nothing will discourage us from standing with the government. Only the APC opposition will be happy to hear this and for those who think that Bio will be indicted by the ICC, you are dreaming and you better wake up from that dream before its too late because that will never happen.
Slpp you are out of power or government this year weather you like it or not
The mayor is in charge of the city, so everything that is going wrong or good is her responsibility,, stop blaming the president. It’s not fair. Ask the mayor what is going on in Freeport, she is the one to take care of the city.
The mayor is responsible for Freetown, so stop blaming the president. He has given responsibility to every body.
American government is well known for this by inciting people to cause unrest in the country this is what exactly there are good at but only the stupid would listen to them because of there political interest our first lady have said it all so am not surprised but Allah would pay them therely
Government of Sierra Leone said they’ll be paying subsidy in schools but up till now no subsidy for 2023/2024 academic year. After that them say free education. Wunna kushe oo