Sierra Leone has made big steps since its brutal civil war ended in 2002, and one of its proudest achievements has been the rebuilding of democratic institutions. Among these is the right to free speech; a right that citizens, journalists and civil society groups continue to defend. Yet even as progress is made, recent developments show that this freedom remains fragile.
For many years, journalists in Sierra Leone worked under fear because of the 1965 Public Order Act, which made “criminal libel” an offence. Reporters who criticised politicians or exposed corruption risked arrest or imprisonment. This changed in 2020 when the government repealed that colonial-era law, a move widely celebrated at home and abroad. For a moment, Sierra Leone seemed to be turning a new page for press freedom.
However, the years since have shown that legal reform alone is not enough. Many journalists say they still face intimidation, threats, and interference from security forces. Several radio hosts and online bloggers have been questioned or detained for stories seen as “too critical” of government officials. In 2023 and 2024, rights organisations recorded cases of journalists being attacked during political protests or while covering election disputes.
The government of President Julius Maada Bio insists that Sierra Leone remains committed to free expression. But critics argue that authorities often react harshly to online criticism, especially when it comes from young people. The rise of social media regulation has become another area of concern. While the state says it wants to stop hate speech and false information, activists fear that vague definitions in the law could be used to silence dissent.
Another growing problem is the economic vulnerability of independent media. Many local outlets struggle to survive, relying on small advertising deals or personal funding. This makes it easy for politicians or business interests to influence coverage. As a result, self-censorship is spreading, not because of fear of jail, but because of financial insecurity.
Despite these challenges, Sierra Leone’s civil society remains vibrant. Organisations like the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and other human-rights bodies continue to push for reforms, digital safety, and fair access to public information. Young journalists, in particular, are using online spaces to hold leaders accountable, promote peace, and build a more transparent society.
The story of free speech in Sierra Leone is one of progress mixed with pressure. The legal environment has improved since the repeal of criminal libel, but the real test is whether journalists and citizens can speak without fear. For the country to strengthen its democracy, the government must not only protect freedom in words, but also defend it in action by ensuring accountability for attacks, reducing political influence on the media, and embracing criticism as part of nation-building.
Freedom of speech in Sierra Leone, though fragile, still remains alive.
By Amina Kamara