Freetown – Dr. Samura Kamara, a prominent political figure and former presidential candidate in Sierra Leone, has raised alarm over the ongoing detention of Mr. Wadike Williams and Mr. Thomas Babadi, who were reportedly arrested while participating in a peaceful protest.
In a statement, Dr. Kamara underscored the constitutional and international safeguards protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
He referenced Section 26(1) of the 1991 Constitution, which guarantees the right to freely assemble and associate, as well as Article 20(1) of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which reaffirms the same freedoms.
“The indefinite detention of these individuals raises serious concerns about upholding the rule of law and respecting fundamental rights guaranteed by our constitution and international agreements,” Dr. Kamara said.
He urged the government, moral guarantors, and the international community to ensure due process is observed and to protect the freedoms integral to Sierra Leone’s democratic identity.
Calling for unity and adherence to democratic principles, Dr. Kamara appealed to Sierra Leoneans to remain vigilant in safeguarding one another’s rights, stressing that such freedoms are essential for building a peaceful and inclusive nation.
The detention of the two individuals continues to draw attention amid ongoing discussions about human rights and democratic governance in Sierra Leone.
