By Foday Moriba Conteh
On December 15th and 16th, 2024, a total of 165 Fullahs were reportedly arrested in Freetown by officers of the Sierra Leone Police and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. Although the arrested individuals were eventually released following the intervention of the Fullah community, the incident is widely perceived as a spillover effect of the recent arrest and deportation of Sierra Leoneans from Guinea.
In response, the leadership of the Fullah community in Sierra Leone held a Press Briefing on Thursday 19th December, 2024, to update the public on their engagements regarding the incidents. The statement, signed by Abdulai Barrie (Chieftaincy), Alhaji Mohamed Bailor Jalloh (Fullah Progressive Union) and Alhaji M.S. Jalloh (Tabital Pulaaku Sierra Leone), condemned the treatment of Fullah nationals and called for swift justice.
The press statement, read by Abdulai Barrie, described the arrests as involving unlawful detention, harassment, intimidation and degrading treatment of Fullah nationals. The leadership commended the Government of Sierra Leone for its initial steps, including a public condemnation of the actions by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, which reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens.
The Fullah leadership emphasized their desire to meet with President Julius Maada Bio to seek assurances that such incidents will not recur. They also called for an expedited and impartial investigation to ensure those responsible for the acts or for failing to prevent them are held accountable.
The leadership urged the Government to address the matter decisively, highlighting the importance of unity and inclusivity in preserving national harmony. They appealed for an end to ethnic profiling and actions that could alienate any group of Sierra Leoneans.
Acknowledging the solidarity shown by Sierra Leoneans across the country, the Fullah leaders called on all citizens to work together to safeguard the nation’s shared values of peace, unity and mutual respect.
The statement concluded with a pledge from the Fullah leadership to continue engaging with the Government and stakeholders to maintain the peace and stability of Sierra Leone.
Sahr O. Gbekie, Chairman of the Council of Tribal Heads, described the arrest of the Fullahs as unfortunate and unacceptable. He noted that Sierra Leoneans have lived harmoniously for years and emphasized the need to uphold this spirit of unity.
He called on the appropriate authorities to address the issue amicably to foster national cohesion, highlighting the Council’s diversity, he explained that it comprises Tribal Heads from various ethnic groups across the country.
Sahr Gbekie commended the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, for publicly condemning the incident.
He also informed the gathering that Parliament had summoned the Inspector General of Police and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the matter. In his concluding remarks, he urged everyone to remain calm as they await the outcome of the parliamentary proceedings.
This incident has sparked widespread discussions about ethnic relations and the need for systemic reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future.
