By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
What reportedly began quietly on the evening of Friday, 12 September 2025, in the normally calm Bango Farm community of Waterloo, would within hours spiral into a wave of fear, controversy and police action that rippled across Waterloo and Freetown in the Western Area.
According to our sources, the gathering appeared festive. Music played softly, and guests arrived in small groups. At the centre of the event were two women, Massah Mansaray and Jannet, both apparently dressed in wedding attire. To onlookers, the symbolism was unmistakable. Word quickly spread through the neighbourhood that a lesbian marriage ceremony was taking place.
Community members, mindful of Sierra Leone’s strong cultural, religious and legal rejection of same-sex unions, alerted the police. Officers later arrived and escorted Massah Mansaray and Jannet to the Corner Kick Police Post, where they were questioned as investigations commenced into the nature of the gathering and whether any laws had been breached.
As news of the incident spread beyond Bango Farm, attention shifted from the couple to individuals alleged to have attended the gathering as special guests. Among them was an Imam, yet to be formally identified by authorities, who reportedly officiated the ceremony, and Salmata Bah of Wellington, widely described by sources as a godparent to one of the women.
Their reported presence transformed the incident from a local disturbance into a national controversy. What began as a single event quickly evolved into a broader security concern. Police sources confirmed that raids were conducted at several locations, targeting individuals suspected of facilitating or supporting the gathering. Some arrests were reportedly made, although police have yet to publicly release names or details.
With public anger escalating and threats mounting, those alleged to be connected to the ceremony reportedly disappeared from public view. Salmata Bah and the alleged officiating Imam are said to have fled their homes and gone into hiding, fearing for their lives.
A close relative disclosed that Salmata Bah is deeply afraid of returning to her community, citing hostility and safety concerns. “She wants peace,” the family member said, “but she fears what may happen if she comes back.”
According to local sources, police have launched a manhunt for persons believed to have played key roles in the incident. At the same time, reports emerged of angry civilians attempting to track down those accused, raising fears of mob justice.
The alleged involvement of an Imam intensified the backlash, with many citizens describing it as a violation of religious doctrine. Threats—both spoken and implied—continued to circulate, forcing those at the centre of the controversy to remain in concealment.
Beyond the raids and arrests, the unfolding drama has raised serious human rights concerns. While same-sex marriage is not recognised under Sierra Leone’s civil, customary or religious laws, human rights advocates have warned against harassment, violence and punishment without due process.
Observers say the ordeal surrounding Massah Mansaray, Jannet, Salmata Bah, and the alleged officiating Imam reflects deep societal divisions in Sierra Leone, where law, faith and personal safety often collide.
As investigations continue, the events of 12 September 2025 remain etched in public memory—a moment when a private gathering in Waterloo transformed into a national flashpoint, leaving fear, flight and unanswered questions in its wake.
