Freetown, August 20, 2026 — The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has formally disallowed a proposed protest and procession notified by the Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) for Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in Freetown.
In a press release issued today by the Media and Public Relations Department, the police stated that CAN had notified the Inspector General of Police of its intention to hold the demonstration. The notification has been rejected.
The SLP urged members of the public to disregard any calls to participate in the planned protest and procession and to continue with their normal activities. The force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace, public safety and security while respecting the rights and freedoms of citizens within the framework of the law.
“The public is further encouraged to remain calm, vigilant and to cooperate with the Police in maintaining law and order,” the statement said.
Authorities warned that anyone found violating the provisions of the Public Order Act of 1965 — under which the protest was disallowed — would face the full force of the law.
CAN, a non-profit organisation focused on democracy, human rights, the rule of law and electoral processes, notified Inspector-General of Police William Fayia Sellu on August 17 of its intention to hold the demonstration. In a letter signed by Executive Director Thomas Moore Conteh, the group said the protest would allow citizens to express concerns over what it described as Parliament’s violation of constitutional procedures in the ongoing process of amending the 1991 Constitution. Participants would also petition President Julius Maada Bio on the matter.bab0ee
The organisation invoked Section 17(1) of the Public Order Act, 1965, which requires written notification of any planned procession. CAN emphasised that the event would be peaceful, orderly and non-violent, with participants expected to respect the law, public and private property, security personnel and other members of the public. It anticipated a large turnout and requested police cooperation on crowd management, traffic control, public safety and emergency access. Copies of the notification were sent to the Speaker of Parliament, the Attorney-General, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the European Union Delegation, and several diplomatic missions.17fcdb
The proposed route was to begin at Lumley Beach and proceed through Stadium Car Park, Savage Street, St. John, Sanders Street and Siaka Stevens Street, ending at State House.
