By Foday Moriba Conteh
Human rights activists have condemned what they describe as politically motivated intimidation and violent attacks on young people during the violent protests of August 10, 2022, which swept across Sierra Leone. The demonstrations, sparked by rising economic hardship, turned deadly in Freetown, Makeni, Lungi, and other towns, leaving both civilians and police officers dead.
Among those affected was Sam Bangali Fangawa, an Air Traffic Controller at the Freetown International Airport and a known member of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party.
Fangawa was reportedly targeted by supporters of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in what investigations suggest was a politically motivated attack linked to his support for the opposition. His residence in Lungi was vandalized during the chaos.
“I received a distress call informing me that my home had been attacked and vandalised,” Fangawa told Calabash Newspaper. “I had only recently moved in with all my belongings, and everything was destroyed.”
Reports further indicate that Fangawa was accused by some ruling party loyalists of calling for the resignation of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio during the August 10 protest an accusation he denies.
The Sierra Leone Police later declared him wanted, while several others connected to the protests were arrested, tried, and sentenced.
The government has described the unrest as “terrorism at the highest” and continues to accuse the opposition of orchestrating the violence an allegation the APC has consistently denied.
Fangawa, who insists his political identity made him a target, says he now lives in fear. “People like us who openly support the opposition feel unsafe. The threats are real,” he lamented, noting that he no longer feels secure either at his home, workplace and the country.
As Sierra Leone approaches the 2023 general elections, Fangawa’s story highlights the deepening political divides and the dangers faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of partisan conflict. Human rights defenders warn that unless urgent steps are taken to address political intolerance, the risk of further violence looms large.
As at press time, Fangawa said he remains in hiding, seeking refuge in places he considers safe.
