Sierra Leone: Concern over banned political party marshals

PV Staff

Political party marshals are banned in Sierra Leone, a country still recovering from over a decade of the most vicious violence imaginable. But as the 2023 general election approaches, some political parties are actively recruiting some of their supporters to serve as marshals in rallies, bye-elections and the general election itself when it takes place. These individuals often resort to violence and police had to arrest many of them over the years.

We publish today another warning by the National Security Coordinator on the use of marshals by political parties. Bye-elections will take place in the north and east of the country this weekend.