Sierra Leone has ordered a nationwide suspension of secret society activities until the end of December, as authorities seek to prevent traditional ceremonies from disrupting the country’s 2026 population and housing census.
The West African country’s Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs said the directive takes immediate effect and will remain in force until 31 December 2026.
The order prohibits initiation ceremonies, processions, traditional gatherings and other activities associated with secret societies during the census period.
Secret societies have long played an important role in Sierra Leone’s cultural and traditional life, particularly in communities where they are closely linked to initiation rites, social identity and customary practices.
Among the best-known are the Poro and Bondo societies, which have traditionally been associated with male and female initiation respectively.
The government says the temporary restrictions are necessary to protect census workers and ensure that traditional activities do not prevent people from participating in the national population count.
According to the Ministry, initiation ceremonies and other secret society gatherings could interfere with the work of enumerators, restrict access to some communities or make residents unavailable during the exercise.
Authorities also want to prevent intimidation, disputes and security incidents that could undermine the census.
The directive applies to Paramount Chiefs, local traditional authorities, secret society leaders and other community stakeholders across the country.
Traditional leaders have been instructed to cooperate with census officials and security agencies to ensure that the restrictions are observed.
They must also report any disputes or security concerns to the relevant authorities for peaceful resolution.
The Ministry acknowledged the historical and cultural importance of secret societies in Sierra Leone but said the national interest required temporary restrictions to allow the census to proceed without disruption.
Population censuses provide governments with essential information about the number of people living in a country, where they live and their housing conditions.
The findings help authorities plan public services, including healthcare, education, infrastructure and other development programmes.
The government has called on traditional leaders and community members to cooperate with census officials, stressing that every eligible resident must be accessible during the exercise.
The suspension is expected to remain in place until 31 December 2026.
