In a historic turn of events on August 10, 2022, Sierra Leone witnessed a pivotal moment as citizens across the nation took to the streets to protest against the Government, specifically targeting the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) led by President Julius Maada Bio. The protests initially rooted in grievances over rampant unemployment, economic hardships and perceived injustices, were not only confined to Freetown but rippled through Waterloo, Makeni, and Kamakwie.
While the demonstrations began as peaceful expressions of discontent with the high costs of living, they escalated into violent clashes between protesters and State Security Forces. The security forces, interpreting the protests as a direct challenge to the Government, responded with force, leading to casualties on both sides but more so on the side of the civilian population.
The protesters, calling for President Bio’s resignation over alleged economic mismanagement, in trying to defend themselves, braved it off against the security forces using improvised weapons such as stones, bottles, and sticks.
During the unrest, it was observed by our on-the-ground reporter that some protesters were affiliated with the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party. Among them was Osman Kargbo, identified as the son of a prominent APC Leader, residing at No 55 Smith Street, Portee in the far East End of Freetown.
Our reporter managed to interview Osman before witnessing his arrest. Osman expressed frustration over the deteriorating economic conditions in the country, emphasizing the incompetence of the ruling SLPP Government. Shortly after the interview, Osman, along with others, was harshly arrested and subjected to physical abuse by Police Officers. They were thrown into a van that sped away.
Hiring a motor bike, our reporter said he the van to see where they to be taken and what action would be instituted against them. He said, following the arrest, the van stopped at a Police Station, but upon realizing Osman’s severe injuries, among others that were arrested, the authorities decided to transfer him to a hospital for treatment on humanitarian grounds. The next day, our reporter, while making a follow-up investigation, discovered that Osman had escaped from the hospital, but details of his escape remained elusive saved only that he asked to be excused to use the toilet and never showed up again.
In a subsequent attempt to trace Osman, our reporter found that the Police had raided his residence at Portee, arresting family members in the belief that they might lead them to the fugitive. Additionally, fervent, young, irate supporters of the ruling SLPP Government issued threats against Osman’s family, vowing to intimidate them until Osman was produced. Despite persistent efforts, our reporter informed how he has been unable to locate Osman since his escape.
The unfolding saga highlights the challenges faced by young protesters expressing discontent amid inflation and economic hardships, where fundamental human rights are met with resistance, sometimes leading to tragic consequences. Instead of being deemed as sincere and genuine protests borne out of excruciating suffering and despair, Government and the Security forces saw it as a blatant affront and a calculated sabotage aimed at toppling the Government which could only be quelled down by using maximum force and eliminate the perceived ring leaders.
The Sierra Leone Police have confirmed that the SLPP Government is actively seeking individuals involved in the August 10, 2022, protests, in order for them to face the full penalty of the law, further complicating the fate of Osman Kargbo and others who were caught up in this quagmire. The uncertainties surrounding their future remain deeply concerning not only to their family members but rights-activists in the country.
The younger brother of one activist Jacque Rahall has told the Calabash Newspaper that his younger brother had gone missing since August 14, 2022.
Jessie Rahall said his elder brother was in the company of one Hassan S. Dumbuya aka Evangelist Samson who was raided and shot dead in Makeni City, Northern part of Sierra Leone. Many who were in company with Evangelist Samson were arrested.
It is not clear how Activist Jacque Rahall went missing or what happened to him during the raid. He was one of the activists working with deceased Hassan S. Dumbuya, fighting for their right and the rights of the people of Makeni City in Bombali District.
“When I got the information that, Evangelist Samson has been shot dead by the police, I immediately try to reach out to my brother on his phone, his phone rang endlessly, but he did not pick. I tried to call him again after ten minutes, at the time, his phone had been switched off,” he said.
He said he later called one of his friends who is a relative to the deceased Evangelist Samson who confirmed to him that, indeed Evangelist Samson had been shot dead and that he believe his younger brother was among the other that were arrested.
“I was afraid of being arrested if I go to the police station in search of my brother so, I called a police officer friend to check of my brother was among the arrested people, but he later called and informed me that she did not see my brother among the arrested persons,” he said.
He said he later placed calls to relative and close friends to know if his brother had gone to seek refuge to any of them, but all of them said they have not seen him, noting that he later visited the police station himself to confirm that his brother was not among those arrested.
He said when he went to the police station, he almost got arrested for the sake of his brother and was threatened to disclose the whereabouts of his brother or he will be locked up in the police cell but he told the police that he was at the station in search of his brother either.
He further told this medium that, since the 14 of August he had not heard from his brother nor has he got any information about Jacque Rahall whereabouts.
However, the Sierra Leone Police Force in a press release dated 15th August 2022 signed by the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu stated that during the crossfire, one Hassan S. Dumbuya aka Evangelist Samson was killed and four others were arrested in Makeni City.
The Police press statement stated thus: “The Sierra Leone Police wishes to inform the public that following the insurrection by misguided individuals on the 10th of August 2022 resulting in destruction of properties and loss of lives in the affected areas, the security forces have been conducting raids in hideouts for perpetrators of the said insurrection.
Targeted areas in Freetown were successfully raided and suspects arrested were handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters at Pademba Road in Freetown for thorough investigations. In order to prevent any other insurrection, similar raids were extended to towns and cities in the provinces including Makeni, Magburaka and Kamakwie.
Acting on intelligence, the security forces were successful in their raids of several hideouts in Makeni where suspects arrested were handed over to the Police for investigations.
However, when Security forces acting on intelligence on the 14th of August 2022 stormed a place where ex-combatants had assembled poised to make further attacks, they took to their heels. While they were being pursued by the security forces, another group from a makeshift structure at Station Road in Makeni opened fire on them. During the cross fire, one Hassan S. Dumbuya aka Evangelist Samson was killed and four others were arrested.
Those arrested are now helping the Police with investigation. One (1) light sub machine gun 9x26mm was found at the scene of the incident (Makeshift structure). The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is hereby ordering all those declared wanted to surrender to the nearest Police Station or post.
The SLP is also appealing to the general public to give the Police any useful information that can lead to the arrest of those perpetrators who are now at large on number 119 While the security forces will continue to pursue the perpetrators of the insurrection for them to be investigated and prosecuted in court, the general public is assured of their safety and security.”
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.
FoSLYN Expresses Condolence, Condemns Violent Protest & Calls for Keeping the Peace
By Abubakarr Harding
In a Press Release issued by the Forum of Sierra Leonean Youth Network (FoSLYN) dated 15th August, 2022 and signed by its Executive Director, Thomas P. A. Babadie, it was stated that the organization mourns with grief the loss of lives of compatriots who lost their lives during the unfortunate incident of Wednesday 10th August 2022 in Freetown and other parts of the country which include civilians and Police Officers that lost their lives.
FoSLYN said it was dismayed to see young people, (Male, Female), the future leaders who forms the fulcrum of the society out in the street in a riotous manner, an event , it said, which started peacefully in the morning hours further urging all sides to refrain from violence.
The organization said it is indeed unfortunate that the violent protests – which started as peaceful protests degenerated to deaths and tragedy maintaining that protests, processions are integral part of democracy but continued that, however, such should not lead to violence and loss of lives of the innocent.
FoSLYN says it behooves the Government, through the National Commission for Democracy (NCD), National Council for Civic Education (NACEED) and the newly established Peace Commission to identify triggers of conflicts in communities and how we need to manage grievances through Alternate Dispute Resolution Mechanisms etc.
The organization stated that they have heard the President spoke on the unfortunate tragedy but their thinking is that the Government should revisit the Bishop Emeritus J C Humper’s Truth and Reconciliation Report as well as the Fragility Report adding that like Mahatma Ghandi once said “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth would make the whole world toothless and blind”.
FoSLYN furthered that in retrospect, it is instructive to note that those who did the greatest wrong to Sierra Leone were not just Foday Sankoh and his Revolutionary United Front fighters, but those that advised against dialogue with them until several thousands of lives were lost adding that they are appealing for dialogue.
They also appealed for mutual understanding amongst registered Political Parties, Civil Society Organizations, the Media, Trade Union Groups, Traders Council, Local Councils, Honorable Members of Parliament, and the Judiciary adding how they have collectively roles to play in bringing about a lasting peace.
FoSLYN maintains that as it continues to condemn the use of violence, it calls for calm, peace, and restraint whilst they uphold the principles of Human Rights stating that it is important that all Sierra Leoneans here and in diaspora keep the Peace at all time underscoring how we have no other country and we cannot afford the one we have go up in flames one more time.
It concluded by asking Religious Leaders and the entire public to continue to fight on their knees for victory in the spirit, in other words, to spend time praying for the country stating that the God of Peace will show up on our behalf.
Resolving the Taiwan question and realizing China's complete reunification is a shared aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation. It is indispensable for the realization of China’s rejuvenation. It is also a historic mission of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The CPC, the Chinese Government and the Chinese people have striven for decades to achieve this goal.
By Li Xiaoyong (Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy)
Resolving the Taiwan question and realizing China’s complete reunification is a shared aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation. It is indispensable for the realization of China’s rejuvenation. It is also a historic mission of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The CPC, the Chinese Government and the Chinese people have striven for decades to achieve this goal.
Against the backdrop of global changes unseen in a century, China’s cause of complete national reunification is facing new challenges. On Aug. 10, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China published a white paper titled “The Taiwan Question and China’s Reunification in the New Era”.
The white paper comprehensively elaborates on the position, principles and policies of the CPC and the Chinese Government on advancing and realizing national reunification in the new era. It bears great significance in strengthening the trend of opposing “Taiwan independence” and advancing national reunification, resolutely curbing separatist activities and interference from external forces, and firmly safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Resolving the Taiwan question and realizing China’s complete reunification is a shared aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation. The CPC, the Chinese Government, and the Chinese people have striven for decades to achieve this goal.
Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the CPC and the Chinese Government have adopted new and innovative measures in relation to Taiwan. They have continued to chart the course of cross-Straits relations, safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, and promote progress towards national reunification.
However, in recent years the Taiwan authorities, led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), have redoubled their efforts to divide the country, and some external forces have tried to exploit Taiwan to contain China, prevent China from achieving complete reunification, and halt the process of national rejuvenation.
The actions of the DPP authorities in advocating “Taiwan independence” have resulted in tensions in cross-Straits relations, endangering peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. They are obstacles that must be eliminated in the process of advancing peaceful reunification.
External interference is another obstacle to China’s reunification. Still lost in delusions of hegemony and trapped in a Cold War mindset, some forces in the United States insist on perceiving and portraying China as a major strategic adversary and a serious long-term threat. They do their utmost to undermine and pressurize China, exploiting Taiwan as a convenient tool.
It is the sacred right of every sovereign state to safeguard national unity and territorial integrity. It goes without saying that the Chinese Government is entitled to take all measures necessary to settle the Taiwan question and achieve national reunification, free of external interference.
China is firmly committed to peaceful development. At the same time, it will not flinch in the face of external interference, nor will it tolerate any infringement upon its sovereignty, security and development interests. Relying on external forces will achieve nothing for Taiwan’s separatists, and using Taiwan to contain China is doomed to fail.
National reunification is an essential step toward national rejuvenation.
The future of Taiwan lies in China’s reunification, and the wellbeing of the people of Taiwan hinges on the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, an endeavor that bears on the future and destiny of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. The historic goal of China’s complete reunification must be realized and will be realized.
Pres. Bio Engages Tribal Heads, Paramount Chiefs, Inter-Religious Council & CSOs
By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In the aftermath of the August 10, 2022, violent protest, President Julius Maada Bio met with Tribal Heads in the Western Area, the Council of Paramount Chiefs, the Inter-Religious Council, and Civil Society Organizations to discuss the healing process,to inform them about the development strides his Government has so far taken and to also discuss their roles in Government’s efforts at consolidating peace, democracy and seeking justice.
Chief Minister, Jacob Jusu Saffa, who called the meeting to order, said local authorities were invited as one of the many such sector-specific meetings scheduled with different stakeholders to engage and discuss a wide range of development issues.
He said his boss was a listening President, who had always been willing to listen to and talk with his people on issues of development, noting that he had, therefore, always travelled across the country to engage his people on a regular basis.
In his address President Julius Maada Bio said he was pleased to meet the Tribal Heads at State House to engage them on various issues, especially that of the unfortunate happening of 10 August 2022.
He described the insurrection as an unfortunate event, in which a group of people had organized young people to cause mayhem in some parts of the country and in the Western Area. He added that notwithstanding the difficulties around the world, his Government had been making great efforts to cushion the pressure on citizens, noting that he is also working on a long-lasting solution as evident in the implementation of the Human Capital Development.
“In the last four years, my Government has succeeded in cleaning the image of this country. That is why we are being invited severally to chair and co-chair many meetings of development that will benefit the country,” he said.
The President also said that his Government had changed and reviewed so many laws to ensure that society is safe, progressive, and freer for all citizens irrespective of where they were.
He, however, assured that his Government would investigate all those who were involved in the August 10 insurrection.
He thanked them for coming and for educating their people while encouraging them to continue doing their good work as leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the Tribal Heads, Chief S.O Gbekie, thanked the President for the invite, adding that one of their roles was to help the police to maintain law and order in their various localities.
He said they totally condemned the violent acts and urged the Government to launch an investigation into the matter and bring all those involved to face the law, citing the various gains so far made by the President and his Government to help bring development to the country.
On the same day the President engaged members of the Council of Paramount Chiefs who were visiting the Presidency to register their solidarity with the Government and commiserate the deaths on 10 August resulting from violent insurrections that also destroyed properties.
Chairman Paramount Chief Members of Parliament, PC Alie B. Marrah, said their hearts were heavy because of that bloody insurgency, and told the President that he had set the standards of democracy very high and, therefore, a shame that a few people were trying to undermine that hard-won achievement.
He said all those responsible for the violent attacks on that day were shameless individuals, especially so, when they failed to make positive use of their education. He said the essence of education was to transform society and called it shameful for any educated individual who failed to transform their society.
While he reiterated the call for an investigation, he also announced that they were prepared to meet political parties on the possibility of a national dialogue and were also ready to form auxiliary bodies to protect their chiefdoms and mount awareness around Government’s development messages at chiefdom levels.
On behalf of the Council of Paramount Chiefs, PC Fasuluku Sonsiama III, said they had nothing like regionalism, noting that they were a united force that would always seek the interest of the Government and the country in particular.
He assured President Julius Maada Bio and the nation that they would do anything required of them by the State for as long as it was in the interest of the country and within the laws of Sierra Leone. He called for the empowerment of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, established in 2021 to take measures to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts and to build, promote and maintain sustainable peace in the country.
In his remarks, President Bio thanked the revered leaders for being knowledgeable about the 10 August 2022 insurgency in the country that attempted to undermine democracy, peace and stability and peaceful cohesion.
He reminded them of how, as a nation, all agreed that violence would be a thing of the past, but that the actions of some individuals on that day were not in good faith. He called on the Council of Chiefs to be part of national cohesion, despite the fact that there might not be a permanent solution to all the issues.
The President said the country was experiencing violence lately as a result of politics that saw the use of abusive languages on social media and the use of children to perpetrate violence all in the name of cheap political gains.
“My programmes for the country are meant to lay the solid foundation that we need as a nation to move forward and not a mere vote-taking programme. These actions like human capital development, women’s empowerment, electricity, healthcare, national cohesion, among others, are the only way to the country’s future,” he said.
“Under my watch as President, anyone that breaks the law, going forward, I will follow you even in the grave and it is my duty to protect the lives and properties of this country and to ensure national cohesion is consolidated,” he concluded.
Following the August 16 engagement, President Bio also engaged the leadership of the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone.
He said he was surprised at the acts of civilians brutally mutilating Police Officers, especially after the nation had agreed to say no to all forms of violence because of the terrible experience of the civil war, adding that he was aware that life has become difficult for all individuals as a result of the global crisis.
The President informed the Council about his Government’s financial assistance to importers during COVID-19 to ensure the availability of essential goods as well as the implementation of remedial measures to alleviate the suffering of civilians, particularly the poor, saying such was very huge.
“The fact that I have announced election dates a year before is an indicator that I am not in governance to buy political time. The protesters were aiming at getting me out of office, but the responsible way to do that will be through an election, which is less than a year from now,” he said, adding: “The August 10, 2022 insurrection merely reminded us that few people do not believe in the democratic process, peace, and national cohesion”.
President described the Inter-Religious Council as one of his biggest partners in the development of the country, especially in the consolidation of peace and called on them to continue to serve as influencers of national peace and cohesion, given the respect they commanded in society.
Archbishop of the Freetown Diocese, Bishop Dr Tamba Charles, who doubles as President of the Council, said they were proud and pleased that they had been engaged and consulted by the President on all national issues.
He said he was reminded that they were the first group to strongly condemn the events of August 10, 2022, and that they had just concluded a fervent prayer and fasting exercise for the return of lasting peace through dialogue on national peace and cohesion.
The clergy also stated that the Government should improve on its communication so that public officials could be more easily accessible to key stakeholders in mapping out effective ways to break the flow of misinformation. He added that it was also important that opinion leaders did not disseminate misleading information.
Secretary General of the Inter-Religious Council, Sheik Alhaji Ibrahim Barrie, said they were grieving with the President, but revealed that the event was also a demonstration of how they as religious leaders had failed to tailor their messages on the importance of peace and the reward of sinful acts.
“Religious leaders must go back to the drawing board and improve on their sermons to instill the fair of Allah and the day of judgment in their congregations,” he said, adding that clerics would also need to remind their followers of God, that all sinful acts committed against God were forgivable, but that which were committed against man could not be pardoned except on judgment day.
The President also engaged the Civil Society Organizations on the 18th August, 2022 during which he informed members of the strides made to foster development. He also underscored that democratic tenets should be observed and uphold by all.
Chief Minister, Jacob Jusu Saffa, said the President’s engagement with stakeholders and sector heads would continue as part of what the government had been doing in the last four years. He added that the process would be robust and constant in such a way that it would have no limit to the extent of engaging in discussions on peace, national cohesion and development.
Pres. Bio Engages Tribal Heads, Paramount Chiefs, Inter-Religious Council & CSOsPres. Bio Engages Tribal Heads, Paramount Chiefs, Inter-Religious Council & CSOs
ECOWAS Speaker Holds Fruitful Discussions with Interim APC Chairman
By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In an interview with Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, bordering on what role he could play in fostering reconciliation and tranquility in the wake of the unfortunate August 10 violent protest that claimed civilian lives and those of security personnel in different parts of the country, he intimated how on the 16th August, 2022 he held fruitful discussions with the Interim Chairman of the main opposition APC party, Alfred Peter Konteh.
“It was a step towards mediation and ensuring democracy in Sierra Leone is never reversed,” he underscored.
According to the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament he was very pleased over the conversations they held revealing how he strongly believes, beyond all doubts, that Alfred Peter Konteh is a patriotic Sierra Leonean whose desire is to see Sierra Leone move forward, irrespective of political affiliation.
He pointed out how as Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament he remains committed to engaging all political parties, especially the main opposition APC, and the ruling Government, to ensure that peace continues to reign.
Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis stated that they reaffirmed their commitment to inter-party dialogue, support to the people of Sierra Leone and prayed for the families that are mourning the deaths of their beloved.
He stated that Alfred Peter Conteh urged that the law enforcement personnel should be mindful of their reactions and focus on peace building as a nation.
Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, stated that he will brief President Julius Maada Bio on the outcome of the meeting, which, he said, was an initiative intended to maintain the peace.
He further disclosed that he will also brief His Excellency the Chair of ECOWAS – Cedeao Authority of Heads of States and Government and the President of the ECOWAS Commission on steps the ECOWAS Parliament is taking to guarantee the irreversible progress of Sierra Leone’s democracy.
Police sources say that they are looking for one Alie Turay, believed to be among the wanted persons for the 10th August violent riot that claimed the lives of some 25 civilians and 5 police officers. Alie Turay is said to have been attending meetings during the planning stages of the said protest, and his name and address were discovered on a phone confiscated from his uncle, Mohamed Sesay, a known opposition party member believed to be the conduit of funds from the planners to youths that were to actively participate in the said protest.
According to the police, on arrival at the Portee Junction residence of Mohamed Sesay, they were confronted by a huge crowd of youths who attacked them, and they had to call for reinforcement. They maintained that Sesay was shot dead and that in his possession was his phone, which has now provided vital information about those involved, and that the names of these people have been circulated for information leading to their arrest, plus a bounty for any information that will ensure their arrest.
In our investigation of the information from the police, this medium visited the Portee Junction area and interviewed several eyewitnesses and residents in the area. All those interviewed spoke to us on the basis of anonymity for security reasons.
They further said that a large crowd of youths had gathered at the residence of Mohamed Sesay, a known opposition party member, but that they did not attack the police. The said protesters were protesting against the cost of living in the country and were attached by a combination of military and police officers, believed to be trigger happy.
It was disclosed that the security forces stormed the residence of Mohamed Sesay, firing indiscriminately at any standing object, eventually killing Mr. Sesay and setting a house in the backyard on fire. Eyewitnesses say that his nephew, Alie was sent by Mohamed Sesay to cash out from his mobile account, in which Sesay had transacted some cash, to prove food and water for the protesters. On returning home, he discovered that there was fire in his compound and a heavier armed second presence was in the area, with their vehicle parked in front of the house.
The eyewitness disclosed that he too was with Alie watching the incident unfold, but when the officers opened fire, he and Alie took refuge at another friend’s house.
Watching from behind closed windows, they saw people being shot at point blank range by the officers. While in the house they got information via social media that a curfew had been declared to commence at 3:00 pm, barely minutes away. Our source furthered that their friend, who haboured them, went out to the front of the house to ease himself and was immediately shot dead by the officers, who were now in the company of the current Deputy Internal Affairs Minister and ruling party youths, who were busy identifying people believed to be opposition party supporters, and these were gunned down when they try to escape or arrested.
Against this backdrop and the house-to-house search that the officers had embarked on, our witness said that he and Alie escaped through the back door, climbing over a fence into a nearby slum community, where they lost each other as residents there were abandoning their houses in search of safe havens.
It was also disclosed by another eye witness that since the killing of Alie’s uncle, all the family members have disappeared, as the police have described them as part of the planners and should be arrested. Other sources say that during the curfew, the security forces raided homes and dragged people out and shot them, after which they loaded the corpses on their pickup vans and disappeared.
This medium attempted to visit the national mortuary in Freetown but was turned back by armed officers. Many relatives of missing persons trying to reach the mortuary to see if their missing members were among the dead were also turned back.
As we go to press, the whereabouts of Alie Turay are yet unknown, feared dead, and family members cannot be located.
During a Press Conference held at Parliament Building on the 17th August, 2022, the Leader of the main opposition APC Party, the Hon Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, commonly known as Chericoco, informed journalists that on the 10th of August, 2022, the country suffered yet another phase of shocking violence emanating from a clash between protesters and security forces.
He pointed out how the disturbances resulted in the loss of the lives of several civilians and security personnel of the Sierra Leone Police furthering how unfortunately, the painful events of August 10, continued for several days further claiming the lives of citizens in harrowing circumstances as in the cases of Hassan Dumbuya (Evangelist Samson) and others.
“I continue to express my profound condolences to the families who lost loved ones,” he consoled and prayed that their souls rest in perfect peace.
The Leader of the main opposition APC stated that as the nation grieves let him state that he strongly condemns violence of any form expressing the belief that there are much more progressive and constructive approaches to communicate concerns ,including peaceful protests.
He continued by saying he would also reiterate that in any democratic dispensation, citizens have the right to use protest to demonstrate their concerns as long as those protests are peaceful and are within the remit of the law.
“Again, I note that citizens including Mohamed Kamara (Med Kay) of the All Peoples Congress were arrested even before the 10th of August demonstrations and are still in detention,” he highlighted adding how the events leading to and which unfolded on 10th of August, 2022, provided a clear indication that there has been an erosion in the gains made in strengthening reconciliation, social cohesion and peace building in post-war Sierra Leone.
“These events further point to the fact that we have not succeeded in using constructive means of dialoguing to maintain peace, stability, social cohesion and security in our beloved country, Sierra Leone,” he lamented.
Chericoco said more than ever before there is the need for the nation to reverse that trend by reflecting on where we have gone wrong and what we can do to ensure that the gains made over the years to consolidate peace are not lost.
He asserted that violence can only undermine stability and development and called on all Sierra Leoneans to remain calm and law-abiding, calling also on the Government to immediately take steps to ameliorate the situation by ensuring the following: That the number of people killed during and after the incident is made public, with their corpses handed over to their families for dignified burial rites.
He also demanded that a record of all those incarcerated is provided to the public and their families granted access to them emphasizing that the Government should ensure that their rights are protected through speedy and fair access to a court of law and that they should also be provided with legal representation where they cannot afford one.
According to him, in line with the above, he endorses the call for an Independent Committee to speedily and conclusively investigate the August 10 demonstrations and its aftermath.
He said, however, it must be ensured that the composition and conduct of the Committee is credible and non-partisan with the sole aim of providing truthful findings and proffer recommendations that will amongst other things help to provide redress for the families of victims.
The main opposition Leader of Parliament said he wants to take the opportunity to call on the Inter-Religious Council (IRC), and other Civil Society Organizations, the Council of Paramount Chiefs and community leaders to mobilize and take the right steps in engaging all relevant stakeholders, with the aim of helping to promote reconciliation, healing and social cohesion, in our beloved country.
He stated that he cannot over emphasize the crucial role of the Civil Society in the consolidation of democratic good governance in Sierra Leone as we draw closer to the 2023 elections.
Hon Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah also called on the International Community to continue providing the required political support and inspire the much needed political will to overcome the challenges that the nation is currently contending with concluding by reminding that what unites us is mightier than what tries to divide all and prayed that May God grant us the peace and serenity that we deserve and seek to achieve in Sierra Leone.
Internal Affairs Minister Appeals to Parents to Claim Children Arrested on 10th August
By Foday Moriba Conteh
During a Press Conference convened by the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the Sierra Leone Police Head Quarters in Freetown on Tuesday 16th August 2022, the Minister, David Panda Noah disclosed that during the August 10th insurrection, a good number of arrests were made.
He told newsmen: “It will surprise you to know that among those arrested were children or juveniles who are now in the custody of the Family Support Unit of the Sierra Leone Police”.
The Minister furthered how they are using various means to identify the parents or guardians of the 18 boys and 6 girls arrested by the Police.
“The ultimate objective of identifying their parent is to assure them that their children are in the safe custody of the FSU and then work out a mechanism of reuniting them with their parents,” he said.
He underscored that the rights of the juvenile have been guaranteed and they will continue to be guaranteed.
The Minister further informed how other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are partnering with them to ensure that the kids could be adequately taken care of as prescribed for by law and other conventions that deal with children.
He continued by telling newsmen that the FSU has compiled the personal details of the children such as names, addresses, and contact numbers of their parents or guardians.
“Family members should have no fear coming forward to identify their children or wards, your safety is guaranteed. That is the more reason why we resolve to have the Ministry of Social Welfare to take the lead in contacting and identifying the parents,” the Minister stated.
He also informed that the juveniles were arrested right across the country where the protest occurred.
Director of Compliance in the Ministry of Social Welfare, Ansu Konneh, noted that as the main responsibility of their Ministry is to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable people in the country, including children, they already have the statistics of the 24 children in police custody divulging how they are within the age brackets of 12 to 17.
Konneh said as they are ensuring their welfare are catered for maintaining how they will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure the age each gave is correct.
He also disclosed how they are working with partners such as Don Bosco, UNICEF, and Defence for Children International for admission to the Approved School and Remand Home in order for the children to be sent to the right places.
Konneh added that psychosocial supports are been provided and that they have secured some materials like clothing for the children.
Meanwhile, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Aiah Samadia, on Monday 15 August called on the bereaved families of the six police personnel brutally murdered during the same riots to assist the SLP to identify the perpetrators.
Samadia reiterated President Julius Maada Bio’s statements of making sure that all those responsible for the murder of the police officers face the law.
He said this during a Police Management Board consolatory meeting with the family members of the slain officers.
The meeting also discussed preparation ahead of a State Funeral planned for six officers now known to have died.
Internal Affairs Minister Appeals to Parents to Claim Children Arrested on 10th August
