By Foday Moriba Conteh
Tensions between Sierra Leone’s two major political parties the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) intensified following a violent clash during campaign activities in Constituency 36, Makeni, on April 25, 2022, ahead of the general elections.
Violence erupted during simultaneous campaign events organized by both parties. The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) swiftly intervened and made several arrests. However, the APC claimed that the arrests disproportionately targeted its members, accusing the police of acting with political bias due to the SLPP’s control of the central government. The incident sparked widespread concerns of political intimidation and witch-hunting.
Among those arrested was Samuel Sesay, the father of Alimamy Samuel Sesay, an APC member who, along with others, was charged and brought before the court. However, during their transfer from court to the Male Correctional Centre, Sesay and several others managed to escape custody. Investigations later revealed that their escape was due to the negligence of a Sierra Leone Correctional Service officer. The escapees, including Sesay, were declared wanted by the authorities, and he was reported to have fled to a neighboring country.
Months later, on August 10, 2022, violent anti-government protests broke out in Freetown and other regions, including Makeni, amid growing public frustration over the rising cost of living. Demonstrators called for President Julius Maada Bio’s resignation. During the unrest in Makeni, sources allege that Samuel Sesay still wanted at the time was spotted among the protesters.
According to police sources, it was further alleged that Samuel Sesay was involved in the killing of a security officer during the protests. In response, police launched a raid on his residence in an attempt to arrest him. However, while he was trying to evaded arrest he was shoot to death by the Sierra Leone Police. His wife and eldest son Mohamed Sesay were reportedly arrested, while other family members fled including Alimamy Samuel Sesay. Their whereabouts remain unknown at the time of reporting.
Following these events, the Sierra Leone Police declared Alimamy Samuel Sesay and other family members. A nationwide manhunt has since been launched, but as of press time, Alimamy Samuel Sesay’s location remains unknown.
The case continues to generate public interest, with human rights advocates and political analysts closely monitoring the situation amid concerns of due process, political persecution, and law enforcement accountability.
