By Ibrahim Sesay
One of our seasoned reporters, Alvin Lansana Kargbo, was reliably informed by residents of the Dorcortee Community, located near Wilkinson Road via the Indian Temple, of a distressing case involving a 49-year-old Government health worker, Nyayia Salamatu Saidu, who was allegedly targeted by fervent political supporters of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
According to community members, she was accused of being among those determined to incite political unrest with the intention of destabilizing the Government led by President Julius Maada Bio. A respected surgeon attached to the Lumley Government Hospital, Nyayia Salamatu Saidu had dedicated years of service to various health facilities before establishing the Emmasal Dorcortee Community Clinic, a private healthcare facility providing essential medical services to residents of the community where she resided for over ten years.
Community members recounted how her ordeal began when she was approached by a group of women in the area, who, recognizing her influence and leadership skills, urged her to take up the role of Women’s Leader. Initially reluctant, she was eventually persuaded to accept the position. Under her leadership, the women held regular meetings, discussing developmental projects and initiatives aimed at improving their collective well-being. It was during one of these meetings that they expressed concerns over the economic hardship gripping the nation, particularly the soaring prices of basic commodities, including fuel. Believing in the power of peaceful advocacy, they resolved to support the August 10, 2022, protests, hoping to draw the Government’s attention to their plight.
On the day of the protest, they took to the streets with placards, calling on the authorities to address the worsening economic situation. Identified as a leading figure in the demonstration, Nyayia Salamatu Saidu was arrested by the police and taken into custody. She was released after some time, but her troubles were far from over.
According to residents, shortly after the incident, a group of agitated young men, described as ardent SLPP supporters, stormed the Dorcortee Community, wielding sticks and other weapons. Declaring their intent to punish those who had attempted to undermine the Government, they began pelting stones at her residence before setting fire to her clinic, reducing it to ashes.
Fearing for her safety and that of her children, she was forced to flee the community. A close friend of hers, who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, disclosed that Nyayia Salamatu Saidu had reported the threats to the Medical Superintendent at the Lumley Government Hospital. Concerned for her safety, the superintendent advised her to leave the country, warning that the political climate was too volatile and that she could be targeted further. Following this advice, she applied for a leave of absence from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, which was granted.
In November 2022, she secured a visa and departed Sierra Leone. Her children were initially scattered in different locations, but through the support of relatives, they were eventually reunited. However, concerns remain about their safety, as suspicious individuals have reportedly been seen in the area, making covert inquiries about their whereabouts.
The events surrounding her plight are set against the backdrop of the violent protests and riots that erupted in Sierra Leone in August 2022. Sparked by a worsening cost-of-living crisis, the protests were concentrated in Freetown and several northern cities, including Makeni and Kamakwie. Demonstrators voiced their discontent with the Government’s handling of inflation, which had surged to 28% by June of that year. The rising cost of fuel and essential goods exacerbated public frustration, with many blaming the Government for failing to provide adequate relief. The peaceful demonstrations turned deadly, with at least twenty-seven civilians and six police officers losing their lives.
The protests, characterized as a “faceless” movement, were reportedly organized through digital platforms, with a Sierra Leonean activist based in the Netherlands known by the pseudonym Adebayor playing a prominent role in mobilization efforts.
Although the country had enjoyed relative stability in recent years, the scale of the unrest underscored deep-seated economic and political frustrations.
The events of August 2022 left an indelible mark on Sierra Leone, with many citizens, like Nyayia Salamatu Saidu, bearing the brunt of political persecution. Her forced departure serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to speak out in times of crisis.
