Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) has firmly denied that it was formally invited by the Sierra Leone Police for discussions concerning its planned protest and procession scheduled for Wednesday, 26th August 2026.
In a press statement issued in response to the Police’s August 20 notice which reportedly disallowed the demonstration, the organisation said no formal meeting was arranged between the parties regarding the planned civic action.
“We wish to categorically clarify that we were never formally invited to any meeting by the Sierra Leone Police in relation to the proposed protest and procession,” the statement read. “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.”
According to CAN, the Police may have relied on a telephone call to an individual, but the organisation dismissed this as insufficient grounds for claiming formal consultation. “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,” the statement clarified.
CAN expressed concern that the Police’s public communication created a false impression of prior engagement. “We find 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,” the organisation stated.
Despite the dispute, CAN reaffirmed its dedication to lawful civic participation. “We remain 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,” the statement read.
CAN urged the Police to address concerns directly rather than through public statements that may create inaccurate impressions. “If the Sierra Leone Police has concerns regarding the proposed protest and procession, we believe 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,” the organisation said.
CAN called on the Police to publicly clarify the circumstances surrounding its statement. “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,” the statement demanded.
The organisation further urged 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.”
CAN made clear that it has not abandoned its planned civic action. “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,” the statement affirmed.
The organisation called on all stakeholders, including the Police, “to act responsibly and in the interest of maintaining peace while respecting the legitimate rights of citizens.”
The statement concluded: “God bless CAN! God Bless Sierra Leone!”