CAN Denies Meeting With Sierra Leone Police
The Citizens Advocacy Network (hereinafter referred to as CAN) has taken note of the press statement issued by the Sierra Leone Police dated 20th August 2026 concerning the proposed protest and procession scheduled for Wednesday, 26th August 2026.
CAN wishes to categorically clarify that it was never formally invited to any meeting by the Sierra Leone Police in relation to the proposed protest and procession. Any suggestion or communication to the public that implies that CAN was formally invited to an engagement or meeting with the Police concerning this matter is therefore untrue and misleading
CAN understands that the Police may rely on having made a telephone call to an individual concerning a possible meeting. However, a telephone call from an anonymous caller, without clear identification, official authorisation, confirmation of the purpose of the meeting, or any written communication from the Sierra Leone Police, cannot reasonably be characterised as a formal invitation to CAN on such a critical national matter.
CAN finds it particularly concerning that information relating to the organisation and its proposed civic action is being communicated to the general public in a manner that could create the impression that the Police and CAN had a formal engagement which resulted in the position now communicated by the Police. That is not the case.
CAN remains committed to peaceful, lawful and responsible civic engagement. Our intention has always been to exercise the rights afforded to citizens and civil society organisations under the laws of Sierra Leone, including the right to peacefully assemble, express concerns and advocate on matters of public interest.
If the Sierra Leone Police has concerns regarding the proposed protest and procession, CAN believes that such concerns should be addressed transparently and directly with the organisers rather than through statements that may create an inaccurate impression of prior consultation or engagement.
We therefore call on the Sierra Leone Police to publicly clarify the circumstances surrounding its statement and to correct any information that inaccurately suggests that CAN was formally invited to, or engaged in, a meeting concerning the proposed protest and procession.
CAN further urges the Police to exercise restraint and professionalism in its public communications and to ensure that information provided to the public is accurate, balanced and capable of being independently verified.
For the avoidance of doubt, CAN has not withdrawn its position or its commitment to peaceful civic engagement. We remain guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, constitutionalism and respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens.
CAN calls on all stakeholders, including the Police, to act responsibly and in the interest of maintaining peace while respecting the legitimate rights of citizens.
God bless CAN!
God Bless Sierra Leone!
Thomas Moore Conteh
Executive Director
Citizens Advocacy Network
