By Mohamed Kamara
Freetown – What began as jubilation among cultural enthusiasts has turned into disappointment, as the Office of National Security (ONS) has announced a ban on the highly anticipated 2025 Lantern Parade, contradicting an earlier release by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.
Speaking at the government’s weekly press briefing on April 1, 2025, held at the Mini Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown, ONS National Coordinator Abdulai Caulker stated unequivocally that the traditional lantern festivities will not take place this year, citing national security concerns.
This announcement comes just days after the Ministry of Tourism published an official list approving 30 lantern groups from the Eastern, Central, and Western districts of the capital to participate in the 2025 event.
The decision from the ONS has sent shockwaves through cultural circles. Caulker defended the move, explaining that large-scale public events like the lantern parade—often attracting thousands of participants—have historically posed serious security challenges. “Our role as a government is to prevent lawlessness,” he said. “Given the unpredictable behavior and excitement that often accompany these parades, we cannot guarantee the safety of the public.”
He added that the lantern parade is now tentatively rescheduled for 2026, depending on prevailing national security assessments.
Despite the parade cancellation, Caulker emphasized that Sierra Leone remains generally stable, pointing to a peaceful Ramadan period and a notable absence of major security incidents in recent weeks. He also highlighted the presence of permanent security deployments across key border points—from Falaba and Kono to Koindu and Kambia—designed to monitor cross-border movements and prevent a recurrence of events like the failed November 26 coup.
He urged citizens to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them that the nation’s peace and safety remain the government’s top priority.
