Sierra Leone - Religions



Reliable data on the exact numbers of practitioners of major religions is not available. However, most sources estimate that the population is 60% Muslim, 30% Christian, and 10% practitioners of traditional indigenous religions. Muslims were traditionally concentrated in the northern part of the country, and Christians in the south. However, an ongoing civil war has prompted relocation by large masses of the population. Reportedly, many syncretic practices exist, with up to 20% of the populace practicing a mixture of either Muslim or Christianity with traditional indigenous religions.

The Revolutionary United Front and the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (RUF/AFRC) insurgent groups have plotted against Christian and Muslim religious leaders because of their positions in the religious community and their support for the government. During the January 1999 RUF/AFRC invasion, which took place during Ramadan, the Freetown populace was terrorized and deprived of religious freedom. Muslims found praying in mosques were forced to consume alcoholic beverages; those who refused were beaten. Others reportedly were shot and killed. Three churches and two mosques were set on fire and burned down. Rebel forces have targeted Roman Catholic nuns and priests in particular, one reason being the RUF/AFRC assumption that the Catholic Church would pay a ransom. However, in a 2002 report, this type of abduction had abated and it has been determined that some church leaders were targeted for their peacekeeping activities in civil society, not because of their religious affiliation.

User Contributions:

1
María
Hello, i would like if you can send me information of the country: Republic of Sierra Leone, thank you
SEND ME SOME INFORMATION ON SIERRA LEONE!!PLEASSE AND THANKS
send me some PLEASE AND THANKS I CAN TEL YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW IAM FROM SERRIA LEONE
hi i have a report on sierra leon can u help me plz and thx for ur halp
Hi please send me information about the people,culture,religion,civil war in Sierra Leone
6
Yealie Sesay
i really like it thanks so very much am from there too
7
Ruby
What are the living conditions in Sierra Leone? Is education mandatory? How do people purchase household goods?
8
Bella hardy
Religion information please!! I have a report that I Ned help with it:(
9
Sean
Information of Religions in Sierra Leone it will be very helpful please notify me if there reliable sources. Why? you say. Researching about other religious beliefs in the world please send them if you can
10
Ibrahim sie-sawaneh
I am a Sierra Leonean and I am proud to be. Sierra Leone is a country of no religious tension. Two major religions in Sierra Leone are Islam and Christinity. Both operating hand in hand without no segregation.
11
Mallika
Can you give me more information about Promoting gender equality and empowering women, improving maternal health and if Sierra Leone is a MEDC or LEDC country?
12
Sutton
I would really like to learn and hear more about this?
13
Sutton
Please send me more information about Serria Leone

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