Executive Summary
The constitution provides for freedom of conscience, which includes freedom of thought and religion, subject to the interests of defense, public safety, order, morality, and health, and to the protection of other persons’ rights and freedoms. The law prohibits religious discrimination and allows all persons to observe their own religious practices and to change religions without interference from the government or members of other religious groups. Government registration is not mandatory for religious groups but necessary to obtain tax and other benefits. In July police interrogated and released an imam for removing the president’s photograph from a mosque. The government continued to enforce a law prohibiting the production, sale, and consumption of marijuana, which Rastafarians said infringed on their freedom to access cannabis for religious practices. Religious organizations and leaders stated that dialogue with the government was limited and that collaboration from government organizations responsible for religious affairs was lacking. In January Muslim and Christian leaders publicly announced their support to the government’s fight against corruption, as well as a 2018 government ban on public masquerades (traditional ceremonies) and initiation ceremonies.
Religious leaders reported continued disagreements between Muslims and Christians concerning noise produced during Christian ceremonies held during Islamic prayer times. A representative of a religious organization reported growing tensions between local Muslims and evangelical Christians from Nigeria and said police intervened at least twice to prevent residents from throwing rocks at a church. In January members of a secret society attacked an Ahmadiyya Muslim community in the eastern part of the country, according to government officials. The attackers reportedly kidnapped several men, severely beat at least one, and allegedly initiated four others by force; approximately 90 members of the community became displaced when the attackers burned their houses and confiscated their livestock. Police made no arrests in the case, although sources stated that the leader of the attacks was known to authorities. Ahmadi Muslim leaders said the Ahmadiyya community became part of the Inter-Religious Council (IRC) leadership and enjoyed good relations with other members.
During Ramadan, the Ambassador, in cooperation with the chief imam of Freetown Municipality, hosted an interfaith iftar. The U.S. embassy promoted religious freedom through dialogue with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as the IRC and the United Council of Imams (UCI).
Section I. Religious Demography
The U.S. government estimates the total population at 6.5 million (midyear 2019 estimate). According to national government statistics, 77 percent of the population is Muslim, and 21.9 percent is Christian. Many individuals regularly blend Christian and Islamic practices with animism in their private and public worship. According to the Pew Global Religious Futures 2010 estimates, groups that together constitute less than 5 percent of the population include Baha’is, Hindus, Jews, atheists, and practitioners of voodoo and sorcery. Ahmadi Muslims report their community has 560,000 members, representing 9 percent of the population. Christians include Anglicans, other Protestants, Roman Catholics, Maronite Catholics, Greek Orthodox Christians, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Evangelical Christians are a growing minority, drawing members primarily from other Christian groups. Rastafarian leaders report their community has approximately 25,000 members. Many individuals practice both Islam and Christianity.
Tribes living in the Northern Province, such as the Fula, Temne, Loko, Mandinka, and Susu, are predominantly Sunni Muslim. The largest tribe in the Southern and Eastern Provinces, the Mende, are also predominantly Sunni Muslim. The Kono, Kissi, and Sherbro tribes of the Southern and Eastern Provinces are majority Christian with large Muslim minorities. Krios live in the western part of Freetown and are mainly Christian. The city’s eastern neighborhoods are mostly Muslim.
Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom
Legal Framework
The constitution provides that no person shall be hindered in exercising freedom of conscience, including freedom of thought and religion, freedom to change one’s religion or belief, and freedom either alone or in a community, in public or in private, to manifest and propagate one’s religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice, and observance. These rights may be subject to limitations in the interests of defense or public safety, order, morality, or health, or to protect the rights and freedoms of other persons. Although the country does not have an explicit law regarding hate speech, the Public Order Act describes as seditious libel spoken or written words that “encourage or promote feelings of ill will and hostility between different tribes or nationalities or between persons of different religious faith in Sierra Leone.”
The Ministry of Social Welfare is responsible for religious affairs, including registering religious groups. Those seeking recognition must complete registration forms and provide police clearance, proof of funding, a list of partners, and annual work plans to receive tax concessions. The registration must be renewed annually. Following protests from evangelical and Protestant groups, the government no longer requires clearance from the IRC in order to issue registration. There is no penalty for organizations that choose not to file for recognition, but registration is required to obtain tax exemptions and waiver benefits when importing religious materials. Religious organizations intending to engage in charitable activities are required to establish a separate unit to carry out such functions and to register that entity as an NGO. As NGOs they are prohibited from engaging in religious activities.
The constitution provides that “except with his own consent” (or if a minor the consent of the parent or guardian), no person attending any place of education shall be required to receive religious instruction or to take part in or to attend any religious ceremony or observance if that instruction, ceremony, or observance relates to a religion other than the person’s own. The mandatory course, Religious and Moral Education, provides an introduction to Christianity, Islam, African traditional beliefs, and other religious traditions around the world, as well as teachings about morals and ethics, and is required in all public schools through high school, without the choice to opt out. Instruction in a specific religion is permissible only in schools organized by religious groups.
The country is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Government Practices
The cabinet voted to repeal the Public Order Act in September, but as of year’s end, it had not yet introduced the measure for a vote in parliament.
In July police interrogated an imam from Grafton, Western Area Rural District, for removing President Julius Maada Bio’s photograph from a mosque. The UCI said the imam removed the photograph on religious grounds, but a government party supporter reported the imam to the local authorities and police. The IRC said the imam was permitted to leave after providing a statement.
The government continued to enforce a law prohibiting the production, sale, and consumption of marijuana. Rastafarians said this prohibition was an infringement on their religious freedom to access cannabis, a core component of their religious practices.
In January Muslim and Christian leaders declared support of the government’s fight against corruption. A 2018 government ban on public masquerades continued and was received positively by religious leaders. According to the government, the ban was meant to reduce incidents of street violence, often associated with masked cultural events. Masquerades are traditional ceremonies and are part of secretive groups prevalent among all ethnic groups in the country.
Religious organizations and leaders stated that dialogue with the government was limited. They also said collaboration was lacking from government organizations responsible for religious affairs. Early in the year, the IRC was consulted by the government to provide analysis and recommendations to achieve peace and national cohesion following divisive general and presidential elections. The IRC submitted a report in June with findings and recommendations, with little reaction from the government. In November President Bio met the IRC leadership for the first time since assuming office in April 2018.
The Office of the National Security (ONS) held meetings with the IRC to address unrest in the Kambia District over perceived provocations between evangelical Christians and Muslims. The ONS continued to express strong concerns regarding the possible emergence of what it referred to as Muslim extremism.
Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom
A leader of the IRC reported continued disagreements between local Muslims and Christians concerning the noise produced during Christian ceremonies involving drums and loud music but said that disagreements were usually resolved within days. The UCI representative said evangelical Christians beat the drums loudly during Islamic prayer times, which local residents considered a provocation. A UCI representative reported growing tensions between local Muslims and evangelical Christians from Nigeria. According to the UCI, police had to intervene in at least two occasions to stop residents from throwing rocks at a church.
In January members of a secret group called the Poro Society attacked an Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Kenema in the eastern part of the country to initiate by force the adult males. According to the report, the Ahmadi Muslims rejected membership in the Poro Society and said Poro members kidnapped at least five adult males, severely beat one, and initiated the others by force. Initiation included physical mutilation and cuttings on the back. Following the violent attack, during which the Poro members seized livestock and burned eight houses, approximately 90 members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community fled the village. The Ahmadi leader reported the incident to the highest levels in the government but said police and government officials were reluctant to investigate the Poro Society due to its perceived influence in society. As of year’s end, police had made no arrests in the case, although sources stated that authorities knew the identity of the leader of the attacks, and Ahmadi property remained in possession of the attackers.
Most churches and mosques were registered with the Council of Churches, Evangelical Fellowship, or the UCI. The IRC coordinated with Christian and Muslim religious groups throughout the year, including through visits to each administrative district in the country, to discuss and promote religious harmony. The IRC included only groups it deemed to be Christian or Muslim, excluding Rastafarians and animists. Ahmadi Muslim leaders stated that the Ahmadiyya community became part of the IRC leadership and that, despite efforts they reported in prior years to exclude them, they enjoyed good relations with other members. The IRC leader stated this was part of the council’s continued effort to be inclusive and tolerant and to accurately reflect the country’s religious map. According to the IRC, Pentecostal churches continued to refuse to join the IRC because they rejected collaboration with Muslims. The IRC was reviewing its constitution to include groups other than Christians and Muslims, such as members of the Baha’i Faith.
The IRC draft code of conduct for guiding interreligious relations, proposed in 2017, remained pending at year’s end. The draft code contains provisions that all new mosques and churches be located at least 500 yards from each other to avoid complaints regarding the noise level.
Intermarriage between Christians and Muslims remained common, and many families had both Christian and Muslim members living in the same household. Many individuals celebrated religious holidays of other religious groups, regardless of denomination, both at home and in houses of worship.
Section IV. U.S. Government Policy and Engagement
On May 30, the Ambassador, in cooperation with the chief imam of Freetown Municipality, hosted an interfaith iftar. The embassy also promoted religious freedom through dialogue with NGOs, such as the IRC and the Council of Imams.
Tags
Bureau of African AffairsOffice of International Religious FreedomReligious FreedomSierra Leone
FAQs
What language does Sierra Leone speak? ›
Although English, as the official language, is spoken in schools, government administration and the media, Krio is widely spoken as a lingua franca. As of 2005, approximately 97% of the population speak the Krio language (either natively, or as a second or third language).
Did the US help Sierra Leone civil war? ›The United States played no direct role in these events but was involved behind the scenes at several critical points. It supported a 1996 decision to expel Executive Outcomes, a largely white South African mercenary force hired by an earlier military government to safeguard Sierra Leone's diamond regions.
How many Sierra Leoneans are in the United States? ›According to the American Community Survey, there are 34,161 Sierra Leonean immigrants living in the United States.
What is Sierra Leone famous for? ›Sierra Leone Is Infamous For Blood Diamonds
Sierra Leone is also known around the world for its blood diamonds (also commonly referred to as conflict or war diamonds) which were mined and sold for weapons during the country's violent civil war from 1991 to 2002.
Poverty in Sierra Leone has a strong spatial component. While 60 percent of the rural population lives in poverty, 20 percent of the urban population is poor. Poverty is highest in the North region and lowest in the West.
What was Sierra Leone originally called? ›Sierra Leone, country of western Africa. The country owes its name to the 15th-century Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra, the first European to sight and map Freetown harbour. The original Portuguese name, Serra Lyoa (“Lion Mountains”), referred to the range of hills that surrounds the harbour.
Who is the true founder of Sierra Leone? ›Utilizing some English government funding, The Committee for the Relief of the Black Poor, an abolitionist group which included Thomas Clarkson, William Wilberforce, and Granville Sharp, established the colony with the settlement of 411 London blacks on the Sierra Leone peninsula in what is now modern-day Freetown in ...
Which tribe is the largest in Sierra Leone? ›The largest ethnic group is the Temne (35%), followed by the Mende (31%). The Temne are dominant in the Northern Sierra Leone and areas around the capital, while the Mende live mostly in the South-Eastern Sierra Leone and the Kono District.
What caused the conflict in Sierra Leone? ›The decade-long war in Sierra Leone began in 1991 as a revolt against a longstanding dictatorship. The war was fueled by wealth from diamonds located in the east of the country, where the Rebel United Front (RUF) was strongest.
What ended the Sierra Leone Civil War? ›What 3 factors led to the start of the civil war in Sierra Leone? ›
The Sierra Leone Civil War. The Sierra Leone Civil War began in 1991 and lasted 11 years. Beginning in March 1991, the people of Sierra Leone wanted to overthrow the current government, oust corrupt politicians, and redistribute the resources of the country.
Who is the current US ambassador to Sierra Leone? ›David Reimer was appointed as United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Sierra Leone on January 19, 2021.
Is Blood Diamond based on a true story? ›Though Blood Diamond revolves around fictional characters, the events are based on real experiences of individuals in Sierra Leone during the civil war. The film depicts village attacks by rebel groups, the enslavement of Sierra Leoneans, the use of child soldiers, and illicit markets that are often ignored.
Are there still blood diamonds in Sierra Leone? ›15% of Sierra Leone's diamond production are conflict diamonds. It shows that the production of conflict diamonds still exists in Sierra Leone.
What are 5 facts about Sierra Leone? ›- It was home to freed slaves in the 18th century. ...
- Sierra Leone translates to Lion Mountains. ...
- Diverse wildlife. ...
- It's a tolerant nation. ...
- It's home to the famous Cotton Tree. ...
- Sierra Leone is infamous for its 'blood diamonds' ...
- Despite being a small country, it's incredibly diverse.
The Lonely Planet Guide referred to Sierra Leone as “the safest country in West Africa” and anecdotal reports suggest that the country is relatively safe for expatriates, as most visits to Sierra Leone are incident-free.
Do people in Sierra Leone speak English? ›Sierra Leone is a multilingual country. English is the de facto official language, and Krio is the most widely spoken. Although English, as the official language, is spoken in schools, government administration and the media, Krio is spoken as a lingua franca in virtually all parts of Sierra Leone..
What is the biggest problem in Sierra Leone? ›Until the outbreak of Ebola in 2014, Sierra Leone was seeking to attain middle-income status by 2035, but the country still carries its post-conflict attributes of high youth unemployment, corruption, and weak governance.
How do people make a living in Sierra Leone? ›Other industries that employ workers in Sierra Leone include tobacco, farming (notably coffee, cocoa, and kola nuts), food and drink processing, and oil/petrol. Tourism is an industry on the up, and is expected to continue to rise, as Sierra Leone can boast beautiful beaches and a tropical climate.
How does Sierra Leone make money? ›Two-thirds of the population of Sierra Leone are directly involved in subsistence agriculture. Agriculture accounted for 58 percent national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2007. Agriculture is the largest employer with 80 percent of the population working in the sector.
What does Sierra Leone mean in English? ›
They named the area 'Sierra Leoa', a derivative of the original Portuguese name. When Sierra Leone became a British Crown Colony in 1808, the official name was a misspelled version of the name in Spanish (Sierra Leona), modified to Sierra Leone. The meaning remained the same: 'Lion Mountains' or 'Mountains of Lions'.
What is the most popular food in Sierra Leone? ›The most commonly eaten food in Sierra Leone is rice, which is typically served as part of every meal eaten, and is considered so ubiquitous that many Sierra Leoneans consider that a meal is not complete without it.
What is the religion of Sierra Leone? ›The U.S. government estimates the total population at 6.6 million (midyear 2020 estimate). According to national government statistics, 77 percent of the population is Muslim and 21.9 percent is Christian. Many individuals regularly blend Christian and Islamic practices with animism in their private and public worship.
Why is it called Freetown? ›Freetown is so named for a reason. Land bought from local Themne chiefs in the late 18th century became the new home for resettled freed slaves from Britain and North America, and of 'recaptives' taken off seized slave ships on the Atlantic after Britain passed the 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act.
Where did the black poor come from? ›The "Black Poor" was the collective name given in 18th century Britain to indigent residents of the capital who were of black descent.
Why is Sierra Leone called the Lion Mountain? ›The name Sierra Leone dates back to the year 1462 when the Portuguese discoverer, Pedro Da Cintra discovered the peninsular mountain when he sailed along the west coast of Africa. Some say he named the peninsula, 'Sierra Lyoa' (Lion mountain), after what he thought was the roar of lions on the mountains.
Which tribe is the most educated tribe in Sierra Leone? ›The Krio have traditionally dominated Sierra Leone's judiciary and Freetown's elected city council. One of the first ethnic groups to become educated according to Western traditions, they have traditionally been appointed to positions in the civil service, beginning during the colonial years.
What is the non alcoholic drink in Sierra Leone? ›The eCommerce market sub-segment Non-Alcoholic Drinks includes the sale of bottled water, soft drinks (e.g., carbonated drinks, ready-to-drink teas, energy drinks) and juices (e.g., fruit juices) via a digital channel. Other Non-Alcoholic Drinks includes vinegar drinks, among others.
What is the coldest month in Sierra Leone? ›The cool season lasts for 2.9 months, from July 4 to October 2, with an average daily high temperature below 84°F. The coldest month of the year in Daru is August, with an average low of 71°F and high of 82°F.
How many people died in Sierra Leone Civil War? ›Sierra Leone has been ravaged by a civil war that lasted from 1991 to 2002, and resulted in some 70,000 casualties and 2.6 million displaced people. The war was characterized by widespread atrocities, including the abduction of children and systematic rape.
How strong is Sierra Leone military? ›
For 2022, Sierra Leone is ranked 137 of 142 out of the countries considered for the annual GFP review. It holds a PwrIndx* score of 7.5206 (a score of 0.0000 is considered 'perfect').
What is distinctive about the conflict in Sierra Leone? ›The devastating eleven-year armed conflict in Sierra Leone was characterized by extreme brutality and widespread human rights abuses against civilians. The majority of the crimes were perpetrated by rebels from the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF).
Does the RUF still exist? ›The Revolutionary United Front (RUF) was a rebel group that fought a failed eleven-year war in Sierra Leone, beginning in 1991 and ending in 2002. It later transformed into a political party, which still exists today.
When did civil war start in Sierra Leone? ›The war finally began on March 23 1991 when the RUF entered Kailahun District and Pujehun District in Sierra Leone from Liberia, and as we all know, thousands of innocent civilians suffered and were killed by both parties – government soldiers and rebels – during the eleven-year war.
How many child soldiers were in the Sierra Leone Civil War? ›Roughly 10,000-14,000 child soldiers in Sierra Leone fought between 1991 and 2002 in the Sierra Leone Civil War. Children fought on both sides of the conflict. Nearly half of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), and a quarter of the governmental armed forces consisted of children aged 8–14 years old.
Who won the civil war in Sierra Leone? ›With help from United Nations forces, British troops, and Guinean air support, the Sierra Leone Army finally defeated the RUF before they could take control of Freetown. On January 18, 2002, newly installed President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah declared the Sierra Leone Civil War had finally ended.
How did the Sierra Leone Civil War affect people? ›Since March 1991, Sierra Leone has experienced continuous civil strife culminating in a protracted civil war, leading to widespread destructions of infrastructures and property, and the death of thousands of people, many more injured and over half of the population displaced.
What is the history of Sierra Leone? ›Sierra Leone became an independent, sovereign state on 27 April 1961 with Milton Margai as its prime minister. Ten years later, on 19 April 1971, the country became a republic, with an elected president as the head of state. There are a wide variety of ecological and agricultural zones to which people have adapted.
How much is US visa fee in Sierra Leone? ›The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is $160. This includes tourist, business, student and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are $190.
How do I apply for US visa in Sierra Leone? ›- For Nonimmigrant Visa applicants: ...
- Once you have determined the correct visa type, you must pay the visa fee. ...
- The next step is to complete the DS-160 form. ...
- You are almost ready to schedule your visa appointment! ...
- Visit the U.S. Embassy on the date and time of your visa interview.
How many embassy are there in Sierra Leone? ›
There are about 7 Foreign Embassies and 9 Consulates placed in the territory of Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone itself in total counts near 12 Embassies and 18 Consulates spread all over the world.
How much is a 100 carat diamond worth? ›The 100.94-carat, D-color, internally flawless Type IIa diamond sold for $14.1 million, landing at the lower end of its $13.2 million-$19.8 million pre-sale estimated range. The emerald-cut stone is said to be the largest diamond ever cut in Russia.
Are Tiffany diamonds blood diamonds? ›Tiffany & Co. only offers conflict-free diamonds. We have taken rigorous steps to assure that conflict diamonds do not enter our inventory. As global leaders in sustainable luxury, Tiffany & Co. is committed to sourcing natural and precious materials in an ethical and sustainable manner.
Why does Africa have so many diamonds? ›Diamonds in Africa were formed somewhere between 600 million and 3 billion years ago when titanic-force pressure and heat caused carbon 1,200 miles (1,931 km) below the Earth's surface to crystallize. As recently as a million years ago, erupting molten rock brought the diamonds closer to the Earth's surface.
How much is a 709 carat diamond worth? ›On Dec. 4, 2017, the diamond sold to British jeweler Laurence Graff for $6,536,360 in an auction managed pro bono by Rapaport. It was far less than even government evaluators expected, but it garnered something much more valuable: transparency.
What is Sierra Leone known for? ›Sierra Leone Is Infamous For Blood Diamonds
Sierra Leone is also known around the world for its blood diamonds (also commonly referred to as conflict or war diamonds) which were mined and sold for weapons during the country's violent civil war from 1991 to 2002.
| The Star of Sierra Leone rough diamond | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 968.9 carats (193.78 g) |
| Mine of origin | Diminco mine |
| Discovered | Feb 14, 1972 |
| Cut by | Harry Vos |
How To Speak Krio | Basic Greetings In Sierra Leone - YouTube
What currency is used in Sierra Leone? ›Overview. The Leone is the official currency for Sierra Leone, formally known as the Republic of Sierra Leone. The currency is illustrated by the symbol Le and is partitioned into 100 cents. Small bank notes such as Le10,000, Le 5,000, Le 2,000 and Le 1,000 are used by residents.
What is the religion of Sierra Leone? ›The U.S. government estimates the total population at 6.6 million (midyear 2020 estimate). According to national government statistics, 77 percent of the population is Muslim and 21.9 percent is Christian. Many individuals regularly blend Christian and Islamic practices with animism in their private and public worship.
How do you say thank you in Sierra Leone? ›
...
Useful phrases in Sierra Leone Creole.
| Phrase | Krio (Sierra Leone Creole) |
|---|---|
| Please | Duya (only used when asking for a favour) Bo duya |
| Thank you | Tɛnki |
| Reply to thank you | O |
The most commonly eaten food in Sierra Leone is rice, which is typically served as part of every meal eaten, and is considered so ubiquitous that many Sierra Leoneans consider that a meal is not complete without it.
How do the Mende called their God? ›The Mende call this supreme being Ngewo-Ngewo, the Sherbro hobatoke, the Lokko gebo, the Kissi meleka. The Temne believe that God, whom they call kru, is connected with the sky. The Vai call him kan-imba or kaymba, which means “endless space” and conveys the notion that God is everywhere.
What does Titi mean in Krio? ›People: Nationality: Sierra Leonean(s). Ethnic groups: Temne 30%, Mende 30%, Krio 1%, small Lebanese community.
Which Bitcoin wallet is best in Sierra Leone? ›- Mobile. Coinbase is an easy iOS & Android crypto and NFT wallet. ...
- Hardware. Ledger Nano X is a secure hardware wallet that connects to your computer via USB. ...
- Desktop. Electrum is a popular desktop Bitcoin wallet which is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Sierra Leone, country of western Africa. The country owes its name to the 15th-century Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra, the first European to sight and map Freetown harbour. The original Portuguese name, Serra Lyoa (“Lion Mountains”), referred to the range of hills that surrounds the harbour.
What are 5 facts about Sierra Leone? ›- It was home to freed slaves in the 18th century. ...
- Sierra Leone translates to Lion Mountains. ...
- Diverse wildlife. ...
- It's a tolerant nation. ...
- It's home to the famous Cotton Tree. ...
- Sierra Leone is infamous for its 'blood diamonds' ...
- Despite being a small country, it's incredibly diverse.
The people of Sierra Leone are well known for their friendliness and hospitality, with a relaxed pace on life. The locals are expressive and joyful, and religious beliefs and customs are very much present in everyday life. Greetings are very important in Sierra Leonean culture, and elders are especially respected.
Which tribe has the largest population in Sierra Leone? ›Sierra Leone Demographics
The largest ethnic group is the Temne (35%), followed by the Mende (31%). The Temne are dominant in the Northern Sierra Leone and areas around the capital, while the Mende live mostly in the South-Eastern Sierra Leone and the Kono District.
How do you say my love in Krio? ›
HOW TO SAY I LOVE YOU IN KRIO Pt. 2 - YouTube
How do you say happy birthday in Sierra Leone? ›...
FREELANG - HAPPY BIRTHDAY in all languages.
Land in Sierra Leone can be obtained by purchase, lease, allocation, inheritance, gift, clearing, and adverse possession and squatting. Private freehold land and some state-owned land can be transferred by sale or lease. Chieftaincy land under customary tenure can be obtained by purchase (citizens only) or lease.