Advocacy Support Network Set To Champion Justice, Equality & Human Rights

By Sahr Ibrahim Komba
A new nongovernmental organization, the Advocacy Support Network (ASN), has been officially launched with a mission to support and advocate for individuals and communities who have been exploited, cheated, or marginalized. The organization aims to empower people to access justice, equality, and human rights through emotional, psychological, and practical support.
The event took place at peace Museum Brookfields on May 3rd, 2025.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer Madam Bintu Bangura said ASN will amplify the voices of vulnerable individuals and ensure that their concerns are addressed by the relevant authorities. “We are here to make sure that the unheard voices of exploited and marginalized people are not only heard but acted upon,” she stated.
Madam Bangura highlighted that ASN will also focus on public education about issues of exploitation, cheating, and marginalization, while promoting a culture of justice, equality, and human rights. She stressed the importance of partnerships, noting that ASN will collaborate with other organizations, institutions, and stakeholders to leverage resources and enhance its impact.
Additionally, the organization will engage in research and policy development to drive systematic change. “We are committed to empowering individuals and communities to take collective action and advocate for their own development,” she said. ASN also aims to promote international investment, foster peace, honesty, and transparency, and encourage Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to actively participate in national development.
Madam Bangura disclosed that in its first year of operation, ASN plans to provide advocacy services to over 500 individuals and communities, and establish partnerships with at least ten organizations and institutions.
Legal representative for ASN, Mr. Musa Beratay Esq., emphasized the organization’s legal support services, which include expert legal advice, case tracking, and representation for victims of fraud, land disputes, and other injustices. He noted that many Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora have been defrauded by criminals, and ASN is committed to protecting their interests.
“Our goal is to educate the public about their rights, responsibilities, and the risks associated with investments,” Mr. Beratay Barrister and Solicitor said. “We want to ensure that diaspora communities safely engage in business, real estate, and other ventures in Sierra Leone.”
He assured the public that ASN will pursue justice and accountability, offering legal aid and advocacy, while promoting counselling and empowerment programs to uplift individuals and communities.
“We formed this organization to protect Sierra Leoneans overseas and ensure their properties are safe and in good hands,” Mr. Beratay added. “We are here to sensitize the public about our role in property management and national development.”
He concluded by calling on Sierra Leoneans abroad to return home and contribute to the country’s progress, urging the public to support ASN in its mission to create a safer and a just society.
In his statement, Mr. Zacharia Dainkeh Barrister and Solicitor said that many Sierra Leoneans in overseas have suffered in the hands of criminals and urged them to work with ASN for proper property management. Many of them have been defrauded and there is an urgent need to save them he noted.
He revealed that some people in the diaspora have scammed or defrauded their brothers and sisters in the country. He urged both sides to stop the deception and embrace honesty in all activities, adding that Sierra Leone can only develop when its citizens embrace honesty and accountability. He encouraged institutions and the general public to work with ASN in developing the country. He urged Sierra Leoneans in overseas to work with ASN to manage their properties, adding that they are here to provide guidance and legal assistance to people on how to properly manage property.
He appealed to Sierra Leoneans living in overseas to come and invest in their country, noting that there is no place like home.