PRESS STATEMENT
SIERRA LEONEANS URGENTLY SEEK ELECTORAL JUSTICE – AN OPEN APPEAL TO HONORABLE MARCO RUBIO, SECRETARY OF STATE OF THE UNITED STATES
The 2023 Elections: A Crisis of Democracy – The people of Sierra Leone have endured over two years of uncertainty and anguish since the disputed general elections of June 2023. That vote – which should have been a beacon of our democratic will – instead became a dark chapter of blatant fraud and repression. International observers reported “statistical inconsistencies” and a “lack of transparency” in the official results. Mr. Julius Maada Bio was hastily sworn in for a second term with 56% of the vote, a result the opposition and many citizens believe was not grounded in truth. The main opposition Presidential Candidate, Dr. Samura Kamara, rejected the outcome as “not credible,” noting that his agents were blocked from verifying vote tallies. On election night, security forces even barricaded the opposition headquarters and fired live bullets and tear gas during a press briefing, tragically killing at least one volunteer and arresting dozens. These events shattered public trust and underscored the urgent need for electoral justice in Sierra Leone.
The Betrayal of Our People: Our leaders have betrayed us. The bedrock of our society – our schools and our teachers – has crumbled. Thousands of teachers, the guardians of our children’s future, have gone unpaid for months. Yet the presidency squanders millions on endless foreign trips. Mr. Maada Bio has become one of the most traveled presidents in Africa’s history, circling the globe while classrooms sit empty and children go hungry. Sierra Leoneans see no return on these expensive voyages – no investment, no jobs, no relief – only photo-ops abroad while suffering grows at home.
The People’s Cry – “It feels like our leaders have left us to die,” says Aminata Koroma, a teacher in Bo. “I have not been paid in four months. My students sit in overcrowded classrooms with no books, no light, and no food. But every week, I hear the President is flying somewhere new. Who will speak for us if not the world?”
Meanwhile, scandals at the highest levels shame our nation. A most-wanted European drug lord has been openly housed in Sierra Leone, even photographed alongside the First Lady and senior officials. Government vehicles have been caught ferrying narcotics. Diplomatic channels – meant to safeguard our sovereignty – have been weaponized to traffic drugs. Sierra Leone is not just drowning in kush and cocaine; it is being deliberately turned into a narco-state. This betrayal is not abstract. It destroys lives. Our youth are wasting away in ghettos. Families are torn apart. Mothers bury their children while traffickers walk free under state protection.
Betrayal and Human Impact: In the aftermath, Sierra Leone’s institutions have failed to right these wrongs. Both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) have, in the eyes of the people, betrayed their trust. After initially crying foul, the APC eventually ended its boycott of Parliament in late 2023 under an internationally-brokered deal – yet to date no independent audit or definitive review of the election has been released. In effect, our country is now governed by a one- party facade; both parties speak the same language of inaction, offering no serious opposition or accountability. Eight million Sierra Leoneans are left in limbo – disillusioned and voiceless – as those in power continue business-as-usual. In the 21st century, it is unacceptable that we should be governed by decree, secrecy, and impunity rather than by facts, truth, and the consent of the governed. We refuse to accept that the truth of our votes can be buried. The betrayal by our leaders has plunged Sierra Leone into a crisis of confidence, where the ordinary citizen bears the brunt of every consequence.
This political injustice has compounded the suffering of our people. The fallout from the contested election – including international censure – has further isolated our nation and strained our economy amid already “deepening economic woes”. Everyday life has become a struggle: jobs are scarce, prices are soaring, and hope is dwindling. Meanwhile, a devastating drug epidemic is ravaging our youth. Sierra Leone has seen a sharp rise in the use of a dangerous street drug known as “kush,” prompting a national emergency in 2024. This kush epidemic has reached crisis levels, symptomatic of deeper, long- standing issues of poverty and mass unemployment among our young people. Our only psychiatric hospital is overwhelmed with cases of addiction and mental anguish. Families watch in horror as their children’s futures are consumed by drugs, crime, and despair – all while those in power turn a blind eye. The humanitarian impact of this governance failure is real: malnourished children, struggling schools, and a generation losing faith in democracy and opportunity. Sierra Leoneans are not asking for handouts; we are asking for basic human dignity – the freedom to learn, to work, to live without fear, and to have a voice in our own country’s destiny.
A Direct Appeal to Honorable Secretary of State Marco Rubio: SLAM-Global speaks on behalf of these millions of voiceless citizens, and today we direct our urgent appeal to you, Honorable Secretary of State Marco Rubio. We first wish to acknowledge and thank the United States for taking principled stands in support of Sierra Leone’s democracy. In the wake of the 2023 electoral crisis, the U.S. called on our government to allow an independent, outside investigation of the election process. Your predecessor, Secretary Blinken, enacted a policy of visa restrictions aimed at those who undermined our democratic process through rigging or violence. These measures sent a clear message that the world has not turned its back on us – that America stands with the people of Sierra Leone in our aspirations for free and fair elections. We applaud these efforts. However, more must be done now to finally resolve this impasse. Two long years have passed, and the truth is still buried, while the perpetrators of fraud and oppression remain free. The soul of our nation hangs in the balance; we cannot afford further delay.
Secretary Rubio, we implore you to use your voice and authority to champion the cause of Sierra Leone’s beleaguered people. As a global advocate for democracy and human rights, the United States has the influence to rally international action. We respectfully urge you to consider the following actions and support, in partnership with other democratic nations and organizations:
” Champion Electoral Justice: Press for an independent forensic audit or international investigation into Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections. Only the truth – verified and transparent – can lay the foundation for restoring trust. International Observers have already flagged irregularities and urged the release of all polling data. It is time to turn those recommendations into action. Whether through the United Nations, the Commonwealth, or a U.S.-led initiative, we need a credible process to reveal the true vote count and ensure the real winner is recognized. The will of the people must be respected – no Sierra Leonean should ever again doubt that their vote matters.
” Hold Perpetrators Accountable: Those who orchestrated or benefited from electoral fraud and political violence must face consequences. We urge the expansion of targeted sanctions – from visa bans to asset freezes – against the individuals who attempted to rob our people of their voice. This includes not only election riggers and violent enforcers, but also any officials complicit in other forms of national betrayal. Recent revelations indicate that one of Europe’s most wanted cocaine traffickers has found refuge and high-level protection within Sierra Leone’s ruling circle. According to Reuters, this convicted drug kingpin was identified living openly in Freetown – even appearing at public events alongside President Bio’s own family. We call on the U.S. and international partners to help root out such corruption. Those who turn our country into a narco-state playground must be brought to justice. By holding these bad actors accountable, we protect not only Sierra Leone’s democracy but also regional and global security interests.
” Support the People, Not the Regime: We plead for increased humanitarian and development support directly to the people of Sierra Leone during this turbulent time. While punitive measures target the wrongdoers, we must ensure the wider population is not made to suffer for the sins of its leaders. We ask for expanded food security programs, educational initiatives, and healthcare aid –
especially to combat the drug addiction crisis and its root causes. Sierra Leone’s youth need hope and opportunities, lest they remain vulnerable to exploitation by criminal networks or fall into despair. Any sanctions or diplomatic pressures should be carefully calibrated so that they do not deepen the hardships of ordinary citizens. We are grateful that current U.S. visa restrictions explicitly “are not directed at the Sierra Leonean people”, and we urge all international actions to follow that principle. Help us by amplifying assistance to civil society, pro-democracy groups, and humanitarian efforts on the ground. Eight million lives hang in the balance – their welfare must be our paramount concern.
” Foster Inclusive Dialogue and Reform: The stalemate in Sierra Leone can only be broken through dialogue and meaningful reform – but such dialogue must be genuine, and reforms must be guaranteed. We call on the U.S. and partners to facilitate a national conversation that includes voices from all walks of Sierra Leonean society (women, youth, religious leaders, and grassroots movements). Encourage the Sierra Leone government and opposition to uphold the agreements they made in 2023 for a review of the elections, and to implement the recommendations that emerge. Looking forward, Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions – from the electoral commission to the judiciary – need structural reforms to regain credibility. Your support in providing technical assistance or mediation through international bodies could be the key to achieving a sustainable resolution that prevents such crises in the future. We ask you to help ensure that Sierra Leone’s leaders listen to their people and commit to constitutional governance, so that never again will an election’s outcome be in doubt.
A Message to President Donald J. Trump: As we reach out to Secretary Rubio, we also extend this appeal to President Donald J. Trump. Mr. President, your return to leadership on the world stage comes at a critical moment for Sierra Leone. We remember your administration’s outspoken stances on sovereignty and the right of people to determine their own destiny. Today, Sierra Leone’s destiny hangs in the balance. We urge you, as the leader of the United States, to prioritize the crisis in Sierra Leone in your foreign policy agenda. Leverage your platform to shine a light on our plight – tweet about it, speak about it, and rally support among allies. Under your guidance, the United States can spearhead a revitalized international effort to restore democracy in our country. We ask you to hold Mr. Bio’s regime to account for its anti-democratic actions, even as you also encourage the opposition to stand firm on behalf of the people. Your voice can remind the world that African lives matter, Sierra Leonean lives matter, and that America will not ignore a cry for freedom from a small nation that has always looked up to the ideals of the free world.
Mr. President, you have often spoken about the importance of fair outcomes and the dangers of fraudulent processes. We invite you to view Sierra Leone’s struggle as part of the broader fight for fair elections worldwide. By supporting our call for truth and justice, you reinforce the message that democracy is a universal right – that “government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish.” We stand with hope that your administration will bring fresh momentum to resolving this crisis, whether through bilateral engagement, support at the United Nations, or through the State Department led by Secretary Rubio.
Restoring Hope and Dignity: The Time is Now – To our international friends and media: we issue this press statement not in despair, but in determined hope. The people of Sierra Leone are resolute and resilient. For over two years we have waited and prayed for the world to hear our plea. We have seen our leaders fail us, but we have not lost faith in the principles of justice. Every day, mothers and fathers in Sierra Leone wake up striving to feed their families amidst turmoil. Young men and women yearn to study, to work, and to build a future – if only the shackles of corruption and misrule are cast off. We believe deeply that every human life has value, and that the child in Freetown, Bo or Makeni deserves the same right to freedom and opportunity as a child in Washington or London. Our hearts are heavy with the dreams deferred, with the lives lost to violence and drugs, and with the exodus of bright minds fleeing a homeland they love but can no longer recognize. Yet, our hearts are also lifted by the possibility that change is within reach.
The Sanctity of Life and Human Freedom: SLAM-GLOBAL affirms that the value of every human life is sacred. We condemn, in no uncertain terms, the tragic death of the democratic champion, Charlie Kirk – the conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA – who was fatally shot at a public event in Utah on September 10, 2025. We extend our sincere sympathy to President Donald J. Trump and to all Americans. In truth and in justice, no one should lose their life because of what they believe or for standing up for democratic ideals.
We have seen in America how democracy rewards courage: in President Trump’s historic landslide victory, he spoke to the people, and the people answered, granting him the mandate to pursue his vision. This is the true measure of democracy – when the voice of the people is respected and leaders are rewarded by their trust.
But in Sierra Leone, we do not enjoy such freedoms. Instead, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and imprisonments silence those who dare to speak. Our government uses manipulative and cruel tactics to put citizens into ideological boxes, criminalizing dissent and erasing diversity of thought. Unlike the freedom that allows both able and disabled alike in America to live with dignity and opportunity, Sierra Leone’s people are denied even the basic right to speak their pain. This is a crime against the sanctity of life, and against the very essence of democracy.
Secretary Rubio, President Trump, and all compassionate leaders on the global stage: we urge you to stand with us at this pivotal moment. Sierra Leone’s story is at a tipping point – it can either become a tale of a democracy snuffed out, or of a courageous people who, with help from friends abroad, reclaimed their nation from the clutches of deceit. Choose to be on the right side of history with us. Help us ensure that the truth of the 2023 elections is finally revealed and that the mandates of the people are honored. Help us replace rule by decree with rule of law, and state propaganda with truth and facts. Help us channel the anger and pain of our citizens into positive change and reconciliation. With your support, we can begin the healing process for our country’s deeply wounded psyche.
We at SLAM-Global are confident that with sustained international pressure and assistance, justice will prevail in Sierra Leone. When it does, it will unleash the potential of a nation that has so much to offer – a nation rich in natural resources, history, and culture, and above all, rich in people who are eager to contribute to the world once they have freedom. Let this be the last press release we need to write pleading for help. Let the next statements be about progress, triumph of the popular will, and a new era of accountability in Sierra Leone. We are not asking for anything extraordinary – only that the fundamental democratic rights of our citizens be respected, and that those who violate them be stopped. To every Sierra Leonean reading this: do not give up. Your cries for liberty and justice are echoed by a global community that is slowly but surely waking up to your plight. To our brothers and sisters in the region and around the world: we ask for your solidarity and your voice. And to the leadership in our country: know that the world is watching, and history will judge your actions at this critical juncture.
Now is the time to act. We urge Secretary Rubio and President Trump to respond to this call with the urgency and gravity it deserves. Sierra Leone’s 8.8 million people cannot wait any longer – every day that passes is another day of lost opportunities and mounting despair. But with bold action today, we can yet secure a tomorrow where Sierra Leone’s governance is returned to the people’s hands, and where every citizen can finally breathe the air of freedom and justice. We cling to the hope that, with your help, the truth will set us free.
P.S. We invite you to explore our recently published analysis in a book, “Building a Nation: Good Governance and Democratic Principles in Sierra Leone.” As we unite for change in 2025, this resource provides valuable insights for activists, policymakers, and concerned citizens committed to Sierra Leone’s transformation. Find it here: link.
Signed By:
Dr. Alfred A. Veenod Fullah
DIRECTOR-GENERAL
CC:
” State Dept Press Operations
” Office of Press Operations, U.S. State Department
” Office of the Chairman, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
” Office of the President of Sierra Leone
” Office of the Vice President of Sierra Leone
” Speaker of the Sierra Leone House of Parliament
” Office of the Chief Minister of the Government of Sierra Leone
” Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL)
” Inspector General of Sierra Leone Police
” Chief of Defence Staff, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF)
” Office of National Security, Sierra Leone
” Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion
” Leonardo Santos Simao, Representative of the Secretary-General & Head of UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)
” African Union (AU)
” Amnesty International
” Marco Rubio, United States Secretary of State
” Vice President, Congressional and Public Affairs
” The Commonwealth Secretary-General
” Karim Ahmad Khan, Chief Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC)
” Richard YOUNG, Chief de Division, Afrique de l’Ouest
” Ms. Ursula Von Der Lyen, European Commissioner
” The United Nations Representative in Sierra Leone
” H. E. Oumar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission
” Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former VP of The Gambia
” H.E Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
” H.E John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana
” H. E. Bassiru Faye, President of Senegal
” H.E Adama Barro, President of The Gambia
” H.E. Mamadi Doumbouya, President of Guinea
” H.E. Joseph Boakai, President of Liberia
” H.E Alassane Ouattara, President of Ivory Coast
” H.E Jean-Lucien Savi de Tove, President of the Togolese Republic
” David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Dev Affairs, UK
” Neil Alan John Coyle, MP for Bermondsey & Old Southwark, UK
” Ambassador Aly Diallo, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to the UK&I
” Ambassador Mohammad Maidugu, Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in the UK&I
” Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, Head of Mission, The Gambia high Commission, UK&I
” H.E Fatimata Dia, Ambassador of Senegal to the UK&I
” H.E Gurly T. Gibson-Schwarz, Ambassador of Liberia to the UK&I
” Her Excellency Josephine Gauld, British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone
” Ambassador of the United States of America to Sierra Leone
” Head of the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone
” General Consul of Canada in Sierra Leone
” Ambassador of China to Sierra Leone
” Ambassador of Germany to Sierra Leone
” Ambassador of Lebanon to Sierra Leone
” Ambassador of Iran to Sierra Leone
” Ambassador of Brazil to Sierra Leone
” Ambassador of Sweden to Sierra Leone
” Ambassador of Libya to Sierra Leone
” Ambassador of Egypt to Sierra Leone
” Ambassador of Cuba to Sierra Leone
” Ambassador of Guinea to Sierra Leone
” Ambassador of Liberia to Sierra Leone
” High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Sierra Leone
” High Commissioner of Ghana to Sierra Leone
” High Commissioner of The Gambia to Sierra Leone
” General Consul of Italy in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul-General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul-General of Ireland in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul-General of India to Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Senegal in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Syria in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Turkey in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Mali in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Romania in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Norway in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Hungary in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of France in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Belgium in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of The Netherlands in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Spain in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Serbia in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Austria in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Denmark in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Russia in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Sierra Leone
” Honorary Consul of South Africa in Sierra Leone
” Civil Society Movement – Sierra Leone (CSM – SL)
” Media Reform Coordinating Group of Sierra Leone (MRCG)
” Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO)
” Civil rights Defenders – Sierra Leone
” National Elections Watch (NEW) – Sierra Leone
” Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) – Sierra Leone
” Women’s Forum – Sierra Leone
” Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD)
” Sierra Leone Legal Aid Board
” Faith-Based and Interfaith Organizations – (Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone)
” Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL)
” Fourah Bay College – University of Sierra Leone
” Institute of Governance Reform (IGR)
” Youth Partnership for Peace and Development (YPPD)
” Children’s Forum Network
” Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) – Sierra Leone
” Awoko Newspaper – Sierra Leone
” Liberty TV Online – Sierra Leone
” Radio Democracy 98.1 FM Station – Sierra Leone
” The New York Times
” The Washington Post
” The USA Today
” The Cable News Network (CNN)
” The MicroSoft National Broadcast Corporation (MSNBC)
” The Fox News
” The Associated Press
” Thomson Reuters
” The National Public Radio (NPR)
” The Brookings Institution
” The Heritage Foundation
” The Center For American Progress
” The National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People (NAACP)
” The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
” The MoveOn
” The Democratic National Committee
” The Republican National Committee
” The EMILY’s List
” The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
” The Sky News
” Al Jazeera
” The Independent Television (ITV)
” The Times
” The Financial Times
” The Guardian
” The Daily Telegraph