Government of Sierra Leone Suspends Secret Society Activities During 2026 Census

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs has ordered the temporary suspension of all secret society activities across Sierra Leone during the 2026 Population and Housing Census and the immediate post-census period, ending on 31 December 2026.

According to the Ministry, the measure is intended to protect census personnel, prevent disruptions to enumeration activities and minimise the risk of security incidents in communities.

The directive prohibits initiation ceremonies, traditional gatherings, processions and other secret society-related activities during the period. It also warns against any attempt to intimidate, threaten or obstruct census officials carrying out their duties.

The Ministry has called on paramount chiefs, traditional authorities and secret society leaders to ensure compliance and urged communities to cooperate with census officials.

It acknowledged the cultural and historical significance of secret societies but said their cooperation was essential to ensuring the successful conduct of the national census.