Sierra Leone’s Parliament has enacted the National Counter-Terrorism Act of 2025, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at bolstering national security and curbing terrorism-related activities. The bill, which was passed with amendments on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, establishes the National Counter-Terrorism Coordination Committee and introduces stringent measures to combat terrorism financing, prohibit financial support for terrorist activities and enforce penalties for terrorism-related offenses.
The bill was piloted in Parliament by the Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh, who played a pivotal role in leading discussions and securing its passage. Following extensive deliberations and amendments, the bill received unanimous approval from both ruling and opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), reflecting a shared commitment to national security.
Once signed into law by His Excellency the President, the Counter-Terrorism Act of 2025 will:
- Criminalize terrorism and terrorism-related offenses.
- Establish enforcement measures to seize terrorist funds and assets.
- Prohibit financial and material support to terrorist organizations.
- Provide a legal framework for counter-terrorism efforts in Sierra Leone.
The Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh, presented the Committee’s report, highlighting key amendments, including revised sentencing guidelines, imprisonment terms, fines and other technical refinements.
In a move to ensure the law does not infringe upon fundamental human rights, Parliament incorporated provisions from the African Union Model Anti-Terrorism Law, which explicitly exclude certain activities from being classified as terrorism. These include:
- Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly
- Peaceful labor actions, strikes and protests
- Democratic political opposition and advocacy
- Acts of civil disobedience that do not involve violence or pose a threat to public safety
This balanced approach aligns with international best practices, ensuring that while Sierra Leone strengthens its security apparatus, it also upholds civil liberties and democratic freedoms.
Following the bill’s passage, Deputy Minister of Justice, Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh, expressed her satisfaction, emphasizing the Act’s critical role in strengthening Sierra Leone’s counter-terrorism framework.
“This legislation not only addresses immediate national security concerns but also underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations in combating terrorism and protecting its citizens,” she stated.
With Parliament’s approval, the bill now awaits Presidential assent to officially become law, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to safeguard national security while preserving democratic freedoms.
