By: Saidu Jalloh
The Government of Sierra Leone and religious leaders have signed a communiqué aimed at strengthening religious tolerance and promoting national unity across the country.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, expressed concern over what she described as troubling rhetoric from some religious clerics. She warned that such statements could fuel extremism if not addressed promptly.
The minister explained that the dialogue, which led to the signing of the communiqué on 26 March 2026 at the Miatta Conference Centre, was organized in response to growing concerns about hate speech and rising intolerance in the country.
“The engagement was necessary to preserve Sierra Leone’s long-standing tradition of religious harmony,” she said, noting that religious leaders have committed to promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among their followers.
Minister Karminty outlined key focus areas of the agreement, including the promotion of peaceful coexistence, responsible leadership, and the rejection of hate speech and extremism. She also called on religious leaders to play a more active role in monitoring social media activities within their communities and to guide their congregations on the responsible use of digital platforms.
She emphasized that the communiqué introduces mechanisms to address hate speech, warning that individuals found responsible will face legal consequences without interference from any religious institution.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining unity and ensuring that Sierra Leone continues to serve as a model of religious tolerance in the sub-region.