Democratic Institutions Safeguard Power Over Citizens, Rights Advocate Warns

The effectiveness of Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions has come under severe scrutiny following critical remarks by Abdul Fatoma, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy International (CHRDI). Fatoma cautioned that the nation's democratic framework is increasingly serving to shield political power rather than defend the rights of its populace.

Appearing on AYV’s Wake Up Sierra Leone, Fatoma cited Section 5(2)(a) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone—which explicitly affirms that sovereignty belongs to the people. He challenged whether state organs and public institutions are upholding this fundamental constitutional imperative in their day-to-day operations.

“Instead of democracy protecting people, we see democracy protecting power in our own context,” Fatoma stated during the broadcast.

Central to his critique was the conduct and institutional oversight of the national security sector, which is mandated to safeguard citizens' basic human rights and freedom.

Highlighting recent public concerns, Fatoma referenced video footage circulating online that reportedly depicts a law enforcement officer boasting about extrajudicial killings. He stressed that if verified, such conduct severely undermines public trust in state security forces entrusted with protecting civilian lives and property.

Turning his attention to the legislative branch, the rights advocate highlighted a stark divide between legislative authority and adherence to the rule of law among lawmakers.

“You have Parliament, which passes laws, and parliamentarians who blatantly disrespect the laws that are passed through Parliament,” Fatoma added.

Fatoma argued that these challenges are systemic rather than isolated, reflecting deep-seated vulnerabilities in national accountability structures. Furthermore, he noted that independent oversight bodies established to protect constitutional freedoms cannot function effectively without adequate state funding and operational independence.

According to CHRDI, chronic underfunding severely restricts human rights monitoring bodies and statutory oversight institutions from fulfilling their mandates under domestic law and international treaties.

Concluding his address, Fatoma emphasized that constitutional guarantees remain meaningless without robust, independent, and well-resourced institutions capable of enforcing them.

He urged comprehensive institutional reforms, stronger political accountability, and a renewed commitment from state authorities to honor the constitutional rights of all Sierra Leoneans.