Front Line Defenders, in an official publication released on Tuesday, 2nd June 2026, has called on the Sierra Leone Judiciary to immediately drop all charges against human rights defenders Prince Tommy Williams and Mohamed Turay, stating that the case appears to be a reprisal for their legitimate and peaceful human rights work.
Prince Tommy Williams is the Executive Director of Lifeline Nehemiah Projects (LNP), where he has served for over 25 years, playing a key role in community response efforts during Sierra Leone’s Ebola outbreak. Mohamed Turay, the Finance Director of LNP, oversees the organisation’s agricultural and blood donation projects and advocates against gender-based violence, child marriage, female genital mutilation, and for girls’ education.
LNP is a civil society organisation that supports children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups in Sierra Leone. Since 2020, the organisation has held a freehold title to its compound in Kuntorloh, Freetown, granted by the Ministry of Lands.
However, a dispute emerged in September 2025 after the Ministry of Social Welfare announced plans to develop a housing project for persons with disabilities on the same land, reportedly co-funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The move has led to a prolonged conflict, with allegations that court injunctions and land ownership rights have been disregarded.
According to Front Line Defenders, the ongoing legal proceedings show signs of judicial harassment and an attempt to silence the two activists. The organisation also called on UNDP representatives in Sierra Leone and West Africa to closely monitor the situation, given their role as a financial stakeholder in the project.
The group further highlighted concerns over a 19 May 2026 court hearing, where a key police witness—previously linked to alleged violations against LNP staff—testified amid allegations of procedural irregularities. The defence lawyer objected to interruptions by the plaintiff’s legal team during cross-examination and sought to file a formal complaint with the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General. The court adjourned the case indefinitely.
Front Line Defenders also cited previous incidents involving the activists, including arbitrary arrests, physical attacks, demolition of LNP facilities, and wider harm to the LNP community. It referenced a tragic incident in October 2025 in which a two-day-old baby reportedly died during a tear gas operation on a peaceful assembly.
The organisation concluded by urging authorities to drop all charges, end judicial harassment, ensure fair and independent proceedings, and guarantee that human rights defenders in Sierra Leone can operate freely without fear of reprisals or intimidation.
Alhaji Banta Dumbuya Leads Buya Chieftaincy Race
By Mohamed Kamara
On 5th May 2026, Kamasondo Capital town of Buya Chiefdom Karene District in the North West is slated to witness an historical support to Alhaji Banta Dumbuya ceremonial declaration for the Paramount Chief vacancy, drum beating singing and dancing, songs of griping memories, a high powered delegation from Freetown and beyond will accompany the candidate, but Dumbuya’s candidacy is due to pressure from Buya patriots at home and abroad, due to his humanitarian services with a development orientated vision.
Spokesman for the Aspirant Mohamed Dumbuya said, the crowning of the Regent Chief due to the death of P/C Kennedy, gave birth to a multiple of appeals, game calls and personal encounters from the Buya descendants at home and abroad to candidate Dumbuya calling for his candidacy to the Paramount Chieftaincy of his Chiefdom. He said decades before the general public appeal, Alhaji is an umbrella and had assisted in footing bills for University Students, healing the sick at home and descents resident in Freetown, play advisory role to youth empowerment and prioritize Agriculture as a reliable weapon to life’s sustainability. He said Alhaji believes that the traditional role of the Chieftaincy has transformed from dispute interventions to development empowerment of diversity.
He said Alhaji, has Agricultural, Health Education, and Infrastructural plans he is determined to reinforce for the common good of his people. Spokesman Mohamed is confident that Alhaji can build good relations with any government of the day because he has Paramount respect for the rule of law, he said Alhaji has the relative connections for his Chiefdom to benefit from humanitarian Organizations beyond border. He plans to combat youth migration in exchange of attractive development. He said I am saying it now, its no secret. Alhaji said in a good position and we should be optimistic
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