By Foday Moriba Conteh
The rising number of isolated physical attacks against individuals suspected of being gay in Sierra Leone shows no signs of abating, as demonstrated by the recent case of Ibrahim Fofanah, who is now reportedly on the run after being caught in a same-sex encounter.
According to information gathered by The Calabash Newspaper, Ibrahim Fofanah, a resident of Kono District, is currently facing threats and harassment from his family, community members, and local authorities after being allegedly discovered engaging in homosexual activity with a male partner.
Fofanah, who comes from a devout Muslim family, was reportedly caught on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, by Community Chief Pa Alimamy Koroma, in an incomplete building, engaged in sexual activity with his long-time male companion. Following the discovery, the Chief reportedly assaulted Fofanah before he managed to escape with visible injuries.
In the aftermath, the incident was reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at the Kono Police Division. Police officers reportedly stormed Fofanah’s residence hours later, but he was not found. He has since been declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police.
Community members expressed outrage over the incident, citing national laws and religious beliefs that prohibit same-sex relationships.
Eyewitnesses claim that enraged youths later gathered at Fofanah’s residence, chanting threats and armed with sticks and stones, intent on punishing him. “We will kill him today,” one chant was reportedly heard, as the crowd sought to deliver what they called “justice” in accordance with local customs and Islamic law.
A family source told The Calabash Newspaper that since the incident, Ibrahim Fofanah has fled to an undisclosed location and his whereabouts remain unknown.
Some relatives have expressed concern over his safety amid rising tensions.
When contacted, police in Kono confirmed that a manhunt is ongoing, though they declined to comment on the details of the alleged offense or the specific charges involved.
Meanwhile, rights activists have raised concerns about the potential human rights violations stemming from vigilante justice, mob threats, and law enforcement responses to cases involving alleged same-sex activity.
