Parliament Approves Law Establishing State Security Service to Protect President and VIPs

Parliament has officially passed the National Security and Central Intelligence Bill 2025, ushering in major reforms to the country’s security architecture after a period of intense debate and political tension.

The new legislation repeals and replaces the National Security and Central Intelligence Act of 2023, which previously governed both internal and external intelligence operations. Lawmakers say the updated framework is designed to modernize and streamline national security coordination under a more structured legal regime.

A key feature of the 2025 Act is the creation of a new specialised unit, the State Protection Service (SPS), mandated to provide dedicated security for the country’s top public officials and other designated persons of interest.

Under the law, those eligible for SPS protection include the President, Vice President, and their immediate family members, as well as key state officials such as the Speaker of Parliament, Supreme Court Judges, and sitting Cabinet Ministers. The protection also extends to former Presidents, former Vice Presidents, and former Speakers of Parliament. In addition, the state may assign SPS security to other individuals classified as VIPs requiring enhanced protection.

The passage of the bill came amid heightened political tension in the House. Although opposition Members of Parliament had recently ended a boycott of parliamentary proceedings, they were notably absent from the chamber during the final vote on the legislation.

Their absence has drawn public and political scrutiny, particularly given the significance of the reforms, which represent a major restructuring of how Sierra Leone manages intelligence coordination and VIP protection.

Supporters of the bill argue that the creation of the SPS and the broader legal overhaul will strengthen national stability and improve the efficiency of state security operations. However, critics largely outside Parliament have raised concerns about the potential consolidation of security authority under the new framework, warning that it could expand executive influence over protection services.

The National Security and Central Intelligence Bill 2025 is expected to take effect following presidential assent.