Hon. David Pratt has resigned as the Honorary Consul for Sierra Leone in Canada, citing concerns over human rights and freedom of speech in the West African nation.
In his resignation letter to the Sierra Leonean High Commissioner, Pratt reflected on more than a decade of service and his longstanding ties with the country, which began 35 years ago.
He also highlighted his past roles as a Special Envoy for two Canadian foreign ministers during Sierra Leone’s civil war and his engagements with former Presidents Joseph Momoh, Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, and current leader Julius Maada Bio.
Pratt’s decision to step down was prompted by the reported detention of Hawa Hunt, a Canadian-Sierra Leonean dual citizen, over past social media posts critical of President Bio and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio. Hunt has reportedly been jailed since December, despite issuing an apology, and has been denied bail.
“I believe very strongly that Sierra Leone needs to have a higher regard for human rights and fundamental freedoms—such as freedom of speech—than has been on display recently,” Pratt wrote in his letter.
He also pointed to the recent detention of a Dutch journalist as a further indication of declining press freedom in Sierra Leone.
Pratt’s resignation raises new concerns about Sierra Leone’s commitment to democratic values and human rights, potentially straining its international standing.
