Prominent social activist and lawyer in Sierra Leone, Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah ESQ, has reminded the government about the constitutional limits of the current nationwide curfew. Marrah highlighted that according to Section 29(3) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, the curfew cannot be sustained beyond seven days without a state of emergency declaration by the President, which must be approved by a two-thirds majority of parliament.
Marrah praised the majority of Sierra Leonean citizens for their unwavering support of constitutional democracy following the recent failed attempted coup. He expressed gratitude to the brave soldiers who successfully prevented any threats to the nation’s democratic governance. Marrah also extended his thoughts and prayers to the families of those who lost their lives defending peace and freedom during the events.
Marrah emphasized that while the government’s response to the situation has been decisive and measured, it is important to uphold constitutional order and not abuse constitutional dictates. He stressed that respect for the rule of law should be absolute and not selective.
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“Majority of the people of Sierra Leone have stood on the side of constitutional democracy following the “failed attempted coup” of 26/11. 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. We must not while defending constitutional order abuse constitutional dictates.
Respect for the rule of law should not be selective but absolute!”
