By: Emmanuel Mbowa
Freetown, 21st November 2025- Citing the numerous factors that could lead to terrorism and the importance of assiduously tackling them, Baisnab Charan Pradhan, India High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, has echoed the need for a concerted effort by the government, CSOs, policymakers, religious leaders, and the general public to sustain the existing peace, religious tolerance and the cohesive society Sierra Leone enjoys.
He went on to encourage the country to continue strengthening its ties with Interpol and the international community and other developed nations that have experienced the harsh realities of deadly killings of innocent nationals, such as the Pakistan invasion of India, which claimed thousands of lives and destroyed millions of homes and properties.
This also includes other notable killings by extremists in the Middle East and some parts of Africa by Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, and several other world terrorist groups.
“The issue of terrorism is a global problem and requires a global solution,” said the Commissioner.
In a bid to meet its commitment in campaigning against terrorist activities, the India High Commission will hold a three-day exhibition on the theme: “The Human Cost of Terrorism” starting from 21st to 23rd November 2025 at the Freetown City Council Lobby, and aims to highlight the devastating toll of heinous terrorist acts across the world and the ongoing efforts by the international community to confront and prevent these threats.
“The exhibition is part of our continuous campaign process, which we started in May, to keep up with the global awareness, calling on the civil society organizations that counter-terrorism does not only rest on the shoulders of the government. It requires concerted efforts. Where there is division, it is hard to curb terrorism. So, unity is needed to prevent terrorist activities.”
“Therefore, the fight against terrorism must be a shared responsibility, and it needs joint and concerted efforts from the government, the citizens, the policymakers, the civil society organizations, religious leaders, and the youth in particular. Our effort must be to counter these activities happening in our societies and promote peace across communities, regions, borders, nations, and at a global stage.”
Initially, there was no single and dedicated anti-terrorism law; the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act was originally enacted in 2012 and was amended with a new version published in 2024. It criminalises the financing of terrorism. The Cyber Crimes Act 2021 specifically criminalises cyber terrorism.
Moreover, a comprehensive Counter-Terrorism Act, 2024, was passed by Parliament on March 11, 2025, and was expected to be signed into law. This Act is the most recent and dedicated piece of legislation in this area.
While this development is significant in the prevention of the financing of terrorism and is aimed at detecting, investigating, and prosecuting financial support for terrorist activities, the Commissioner urged the government to also prioritise robust sensitisation of the laws, and also meet its promises to create more jobs which can be attained by promoting public-private partnerships, and also to encourage a smooth operation of the private sector to reduce unemployment challenges.
“Unemployment is becoming a major factor for terrorist activities, and when youth, particularly, don’t get employment, or a means of income, they become desperate, and the interested groups take advantage of the situation. However, developed countries in Europe and the USA are also struggling to tackle unemployment, as some countries have over 40% of youth unemployment. So, it is a very complex issue.”
Adding that, “But a few things to consider are: set a robust security system and attract trade and investment, not only with its citizens but also for foreign investment. Apart from setting the security infrastructure, build good roads for people. Our experience was that when we started to build good roads for millions of villagers and thousands of opportunities, it boosted the investment, the growth rate, and the employment in those places. So, the roads, the airport, and the communities, especially, infrastructure, become important to the public.”
He also urged the government through the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to strengthen its financial systems in ensuring the sponsoring and promotion of terrorism is easily detected and curbed and to make its citizens become more aware of financial fraud before they could become victims of financial fraud.
“That is why I am happy that Sierra Leone enacted financial laws and has a Financial Intelligence Unit. Again, it’s not enough. The team has to be equipped with the knowledge, the training, resources, and equipment to monitor, and track how money comes in and goes out of the country. So, every country should have a very effective financial intelligence team.
Baisnab Charan Pradhan noted that, “as far as India is concerned, we will share our knowledge with the global partners, like Sierra Leone, because India itself has been a victim of terrorist financial issues, namely the illegal transfer of money. So the financial intelligence task force is very important. So you create systems (web) to intercept illegal financial activities like at the borders, airports, and also monitor the cyber transport routes and networks, and the people’s financial activities entirely.”
The bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and India has stood the test of time, and issues of terrorism, Pradhan said, are of concern for a country that has survived it, and India will ensure Sierra Leone remains a peaceful and cohesive nation as it has always been known for its religious tolerance and unity in diversity.
The High Commissioner of India concluded by reaffirming their commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in its strides to prevent terrorist activities across its borders and to ensure Sierra Leone remains peaceful and free from terrorism and will continue to work with the nation to ensure its ties and membership in the Interpol are strengthened.
