By Mohamed Mattia
The life of Alie Kanu, a well-known youth influencer and sportsman from Karene District, born at 15 Renka Street in Makeni, is now hanging in the balance after his name surfaced indirectly in connection with the failed coup attempt of November 26th, 2023. Though never officially declared wanted, information unearthed by The Calabash Newspaper after weeks of deep investigation suggests that Alie may be one of the individuals quietly pursued by state authorities. His condition has triggered fear and concern among his family, friends and human rights defenders as he remains in hiding, gripped by a fear for his life.
Following the Government’s announcement on the failed coup, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, confirmed that several individuals were still being tracked, although their names were not on the official wanted list. When pressed specifically about Alie Kanu, who was a close associate of the late social media activist Hassan S. Dumbuya, also known as Evangelist Samson, the Minister refused to comment further, echoing his earlier statement on radio and television that additional names were under private scrutiny. This vague response only deepened suspicions surrounding Alie’s safety and status.
The Calabash Newspaper has since uncovered that just four days before the coup attempt, Alie Kanu made a strongly worded critique in a WhatsApp group chat, sharply criticizing the conduct of the June 24th 2023 elections and expressing frustration over the leadership style of President Julius Maada Bio and other African heads of state. Although this outburst came days before the coup, there is no evidence to suggest he had any part in the planning or execution of the attack. It now appears that the timing of his comments, more than any action, may have placed him in the crosshairs of suspicion.
Sources further confirm that Alie has long been vocal on WhatsApp, frequently criticizing what he described as the Government’s poor governance and disregard for ordinary citizens. His persistent activism, though peaceful, now seems to be interpreted by some within the establishment as a threat rather than a right, especially as his social influence continues to grow in the northern region.
Alie Kanu is also a committed supporter of former opposition Presidential aspirant, Dr. Samura Kamara, and has played a significant role in youth development through sports in Karene. Friends and community members describe him as patriotic and nonviolent, someone who believes in constructive dialogue and civic participation, not rebellion. But his association with Evangelist Samson, who was brutally gunned down by military forces in Makeni following the August 10th 2022 protest, has likely heightened the suspicions around him, even in the absence of proof.
A leaked audio made by the current Resident Minister North, Ibrahim “Jallomy” Jalloh, recently added fuel to the fire when Alie’s name was clearly mentioned as someone of interest. Though no formal charges have been filed and no credible evidence links him to the coup attempt, Alie Kanu has been forced into hiding. His family now pleads for justice and protection, warning that in a country still healing from conflict, the unchecked targeting of citizens for their political views could erode the very democratic principles the nation claims to uphold.
Notably, a second failed coup attempt occurred on November 26th, 2024 and it was in the wake of this latest incident that Resident Minister North, Ibrahim “Jallomy” Jalloh, made his statement in December 2024, further intensifying tensions and casting a longer shadow over individuals already under suspicion.
