The Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) has publicly challenged a statement issued by the Sierra Leone Police regarding a proposed protest and procession scheduled for 26 August 2026, insisting that the organisation was never formally invited to any meeting concerning the planned civic action.
In its press statement, CAN said it had taken note of the Police communication on the proposed demonstration but categorically rejected any suggestion that it had participated in prior consultations or engagements with the Police on the matter. According to the organisation, any public communication implying that CAN was formally invited to, or attended, such a meeting is “untrue and misleading.”
At the centre of the disagreement is the question of whether a telephone call can be considered a formal invitation.
CAN acknowledged that the Police may rely on having contacted an individual by telephone regarding a possible meeting. However, the organisation argues that a call from an unidentified or anonymous caller, without official identification, written communication, or a clearly stated purpose, cannot reasonably be interpreted as a formal invitation on what it describes as a matter of significant national importance.
Furthermore, the organisation expressed concern that information had been communicated to the public in a manner that could create the impression that CAN and the Police had engaged formally and reached a common position regarding the proposed protest. CAN maintains that no such engagement took place.
Despite the dispute, CAN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and lawful civic participation.
The organisation stated that its intention has always been to exercise rights guaranteed under Sierra Leonean law, including the rights of citizens and civil society groups to peacefully assemble, express concerns, and advocate on matters of public interest.
CAN noted that if the Police have concerns regarding the proposed protest and procession, those concerns should be addressed transparently and directly with organisers rather than through public statements that may suggest prior consultation where none occurred.
As a result, CAN is calling on the Sierra Leone Police to publicly clarify the circumstances surrounding its earlier statement and correct any information that inaccurately suggests the organisation was formally invited to or participated in discussions about the planned demonstration.
In addition, the organisation urged the Police to exercise restraint and professionalism in public communications, emphasising the importance of ensuring that information released to citizens is accurate, balanced, and capable of independent verification.
Importantly, CAN stressed that it has not withdrawn its position regarding the proposed civic action and remains committed to peaceful engagement guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, constitutionalism, and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.