DAKAR, Senegal — In Sierra Leone, it was common to spot bands of young people jogging along the streets on weekend mornings in cities across the country, where exercising in groups is popular. Some crews ran in complete silence, while others sang and clapped as they loped along, sometimes following vehicles blaring music.

These running groups have been a fixture in Sierra Leone for decades. Now, authorities have put an end to the practice, citing disorderly and criminal behavior.

But local rights activists have condemned the ban, calling it an attempt to limit group assemblies and to stifle free expression ahead of elections early next year.