By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a historic turn of events on August 10, 2022, Sierra Leone witnessed a pivotal national protest as citizens took to the streets to voice their frustration against the Government, particularly the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) led by President Julius Maada Bio.
What began as peaceful demonstrations over rampant unemployment, rising costs of living, and perceived social injustices quickly escalated into violent clashes between protesters and State Security Forces. The protests extended beyond the capital, Freetown, spreading to areas such as Waterloo, Makeni, and Kamakwie.
Security forces, interpreting the protests as a direct threat to the Government, responded with force.
The result was a tragic loss of lives predominantly among the civilian population. Protesters, calling for President Bio’s resignation over alleged economic mismanagement, defended themselves with improvised weapons such as stones, bottles, and sticks.
Among those allegedly on the frontline was Salieu Jalloh, a known member of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), residing on Rent Road, Lumley. Our reporter on the ground interviewed Salieu, who expressed deep frustration with the economic crisis and accused the SLPP Government of gross incompetence. Moments after the interview, Salieu and several others were violently arrested and physically assaulted by police before being thrown into a van.
Determined to follow the story, our reporter trailed the police van by motorbike. The detainees were initially taken to a police station, but upon noticing Salieu’s severe leg injury, he was transported to a hospital for treatment on humanitarian grounds.
However, the following day brought an unexpected twist: Salieu had escaped. Sources indicated he had asked to use the toilet and never returned. His current whereabouts remain unknown.
Subsequent attempts to locate Salieu revealed that police had raided his home at Regent Road, Lumley, arresting his family members in an effort to extract information about his location. Meanwhile, irate youth supporters of the ruling SLPP allegedly issued threats to his family, demanding Salieu’s surrender.
This unfolding saga underscores the peril faced by young citizens protesting against inflation and economic decline. Instead of acknowledging the legitimacy of their grievances, the Government and security forces have treated the protests as attempts to destabilize the state responding with brutality and seeking to identify and punish supposed ringleaders.
The Sierra Leone Police have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved in the August 10 protests.
The future of individuals like Salieu Jalloh remains uncertain, raising serious concerns among family members and human rights advocates across the country.
