Police Disallow Thomas Moore Conteh’s Planned Protest Over Constitutional Amendment Bill
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has disallowed a planned peaceful protest and procession by Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) Executive Director Thomas Moore Conteh over the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Conteh had notified the police of his intention to stage the protest on 26 August 2026 in parts of Freetown. However, in a letter responding to his notice, the police said the proposed demonstration had been disallowed following the attention of the Inspector General of Police.
The police cited Conteh’s decision not to attend an invitation for an interview with the police scheduled for 19 August 2026, which was intended to discuss details surrounding the planned protest and procession.
According to the police, the decision to disallow the protest was made pursuant to Section 17(2) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965, which empowers the Commissioner of Police to prohibit a procession or impose conditions where, in the Commissioner’s opinion, the interests of defence, public order, public safety or public morality require such action.
The police also reminded Conteh of Section 17(3) of the Act, which makes it an offence for anyone to participate in a procession that has been disallowed by the Commissioner of Police or to fail to comply with conditions imposed under the law.
The SLP said it remains committed to facilitating the peaceful expression of views and concerns in accordance with the law, while stressing that public demonstrations must comply with the relevant legal requirements.
Conteh’s planned protest was reportedly intended to raise concerns over the Constitutional Amendment Bill, which has generated significant political and public debate in Sierra Leone.
