By Foday Moriba Conteh
Annie Kamara, a native of Sierra Leone, shares her harrowing journey marked by threats, violence, and ultimately fleeing out of the country. Born and raised in Sierra Leone, Kamara resided in Regent Village, Western Area Rural District where she lived a simple life with her husband and three children.
Known for her local delicacies, Kamara ran a successful food business catering mainly to bikers, market women, and drivers.
However, her life took a tumultuous turn when she became associated with the All-People’s Congress (APC) political party, cooking for their meetings during the 2023 elections.
As tensions escalated between political factions, Kamara faced severe threats and violence from members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). Her house was vandalized, and her family had to flee for their lives amidst violent protests and riots in Freetown.
The situation worsened when Kamara was attacked by SLPP supporters, leaving her injured and traumatized. Despite reporting the incidents to the Sierra Leone Police, no serious actions were taken, compelling Kamara to seek refuge in a new community in Jui, Western Area Rural District.
Life in the new community proved challenging, with Kamara facing ostracization at her workplace due to her political affiliation. Fearing for her safety and that of her family, Kamara made the difficult decision to flee the country.
Her decision was reinforced by an alleged coup attempt in Sierra Leone, which targeted APC members, including Kamara. Knowing that her association with the party made her a target, Kamara sought refuge in other country, where she hoped to find safety and security for her family.
Despite being out of the country, Kamara still receives threats and fears for her family’s safety back home. Her journey underscores the perils faced by individuals caught in political turmoil and the desperate measures they take to seek safety in foreign countries.
