Freetown, Sierra Leone – March 11, 2025 (SLENA): The Parliament of Sierra Leone has officially enacted the “National Counter-Terrorism Act of 2024,” following a series of amendments to the original bill. This landmark legislation is designed to bolster the country’s security framework and provide a comprehensive approach to combat terrorism.
The Act establishes the National Counter-Terrorism Coordination Committee and outlines a range of terrorism-related offences, including measures to control terrorist funds and assets. It also prohibits any financial support for terrorist activities, aiming to disrupt the financial networks that facilitate terrorism.
During the parliamentary session, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh, Chairman of the Legislative Committee, presented a detailed report to the Committee of the Whole House. He highlighted the amendments made to the bill, including revisions to its language, content, clauses, and penalties. The revised Act includes stricter terms of imprisonment and fines for individuals found guilty of terrorism-related offenses.
The bill, introduced and piloted by Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice Saptiru Elizabeth Saccoh, was presented as a critical tool in strengthening national security. Minister Saccoh emphasised the legislation’s significance in protecting Sierra Leone from the global threat of terrorism and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The enactment of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2025 marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to address the evolving security challenges and further aligns the country with international counter-terrorism standards.
