ILRAJ Warns of Executive Overreach in Proposed Security Bill

The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has submitted a position paper on the National Security and Central Intelligence Bill, 2025, calling on Parliament to undertake key revisions before enacting the proposed legislation.

The paper was presented to the Speaker of Parliament, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, the Chair of the Defence Committee, the Minority Leader, and the Chair of the Legislative Committee.

ILRAJ stated that its clause-by-clause review of the Bill assessed against the 1991 Constitution, international human rights instruments, and comparative legal standards raises serious concerns about executive control over national security institutions.

The organisation warned that the proposed framework could entrench executive overreach and undermine fundamental rights if not adequately amended.

Among its key concerns, ILRAJ highlighted what it described as excessive executive centralisation in the appointment of heads of security institutions, including the proposed State Protection Service, without robust parliamentary oversight.

It also raised issues with provisions that would remove parliamentary approval in the appointment of senior intelligence officials, as well as clauses that diminish the role of the Public Service Commission in staffing decisions.

ILRAJ further cautioned that the creation of the State Protection Service introduces broadly defined powers, including surveillance without judicial warrants, which could be open to abuse in the absence of clear limits and oversight mechanisms.

The organisation also pointed to the absence of independent accountability structures, such as an Inspector-General of Intelligence or a dedicated parliamentary oversight committee for security services.

Additionally, ILRAJ warned that provisions allowing the executive to withhold information from Parliament on national security grounds could weaken legislative oversight.

To address these concerns, ILRAJ recommended restoring parliamentary approval for key appointments, strengthening judicial safeguards, establishing independent oversight bodies, and introducing clearer limits on surveillance and detention-related powers.

The organisation urged Parliament to revise the Bill before its passage, stressing that a credible national security framework must operate within the rule of law and be subject to meaningful checks and balances.

“For a security architecture to be truly national, it must command the confidence of all Sierra Leoneans, not only those in power,” ILRAJ stated.