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Bengali Not Sierra Leone's Second Official Language: Fact-check
Rumor Scanner, a fact-checking organization, has debunked claims that Bengali is the second official language of Sierra Leone. The watchdog clarified that this assertion is incorrect, emphasizing that Bengali has never been recognized as an official or state language in the West African country.
The report, published Thursday, explained that Sierra Leone is a linguistically diverse nation, home to around 18 ethnic groups. While Bengali was not designated as an official language, the country has multiple languages, including English (the sole official language), Krio, Mende, Limba, and Teme, with Krio serving as the most widely spoken lingua franca.
Rumor Scanner traced the origins of the claim to a 2002 report that suggested Sierra Leone's President, Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, had declared Bengali an official language in recognition of Bangladesh’s significant role in peacekeeping during Sierra Leone's civil war. The claim was widely circulated in Bangladeshi media outlets, including The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, and Ittefaq, though the information was often inaccurate or exaggerated.
Further investigation revealed that the report was based on a misinterpretation of Kabbah’s remarks during a road construction ceremony involving Bangladeshi peacekeepers. While some sources claim Bengali was declared an honorary language, it has never been officially adopted by the government or the citizens of Sierra Leone.
In 2023, Rumor Scanner also consulted local experts in Sierra Leone, including language specialists and long-time educators, who confirmed that English remains the only official language in Sierra Leone. The recognition of Bengali was symbolic, honoring Bangladesh’s peacekeeping efforts, but it was never implemented as a spoken or official language in Sierra Leone.
The controversy surrounding the claim has persisted, appearing in textbooks, media, and even in Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) exam papers. Rumor Scanner’s extensive investigation, supported by interviews with Sierra Leonean officials and fact-checking organizations, reinforces that while Bengali was acknowledged for its role in the country’s peace efforts, it has never been part of Sierra Leone's official language structure.
In conclusion, the long-standing claim that Bengali is Sierra Leone’s second official language is false. English remains the country's sole official language, with several local languages used informally across the population.