…Lawyer Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah
Lawyer Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah ESQ, a Human Rights Lawer and social activist has issued a reminder to the government regarding the constitutional limits of the current nationwide curfew.
Marrah pointed out that according to Section 29(3) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, the curfew cannot be constitutionally sustained beyond seven days without a state of emergency declaration by the President, which must be approved by a two-thirds majority of Parliament.
He emphasized that, “Majority of the people of Sierra Leone have stood on the side of constitutional democracy following the “failed attempted coup” of 26th November 2023. We thank our brave soldiers who foiled all attempts to unseat our democratic governance. Our profound thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who died while defending our peace and freedom.
So far, the govt’s response, both in action and in rhetoric, has been very decisive but relatively measured.
Let me therefore remind the government that the current nationwide curfew cannot be constitutionally sustained beyond 7 days without a state of emergency declaration by the President which is to be approved by two-thirds majority of parliament—Section 29(3) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone adding that “We must not while defending constitutional order abuse constitutional dictates. Respect for the rule of law should not selective but absolute!”
Mr. Marrah commended the majority of the Sierra Leonean people for steadfastly supporting constitutional democracy in the aftermath of the “failed attempted coup” on 26th November 2023. He expressed gratitude to the courageous soldiers who successfully thwarted all attempts to undermine the democratic governance of the nation. Acknowledging the sacrifices made, Marrah extended thoughts and prayers to the families of those who lost their lives defending peace and freedom during the tumultuous events.