By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Sierra Leone Police have ramped up efforts to apprehend individuals involved in the violent protests of August 10, 2022, which tragically resulted in loss of life, injuries, and widespread property damage. Among those being sought is Alpha Amadu Bah, who has been wanted since the protests. The police have emphasized that Bah and others allegedly involved remain a priority as authorities actively pursue all participants.
The August 10 protests, which erupted in various parts of Sierra Leone including Makeni City in the Northern Province, called for the resignation of President Julius Maada Bio, who was abroad receiving medical treatment at the time. The demonstrations saw civilians clashing with security forces, and attempts by police to control the situation led to casualties on both sides.
In the aftermath, the security response escalated, with reports of close-range shootings targeting protestors. Tensions heightened further amid accounts of alleged vigilante actions by groups reportedly affiliated with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), targeting supporters of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC). Among the incidents, Evangelist Samson, the chairman of the opposition group TAGMEN and a prominent APC supporter in Makeni, was reportedly shot dead by security personnel, fueling concerns of politically motivated violence.
According to police investigations, Bah, a resident of 4 Station Road in Makeni, is the acting Secretary General of TAGMEN, a group that authorities claim was instrumental in organizing protests, particularly in Makeni. Since the unrest, Bah and several other demonstrators have evaded police capture. Although Bah reportedly fled Sierra Leone shortly after the incident, the police have maintained that the search remains active, stressing that no individual involved is exempt from accountability.
A police spokesperson confirmed that recent efforts led to the arrest of another protest participant, Saidu Koroma, who had initially left the country but was detained in October 2024 upon his return, following intelligence from neighboring communities.
The Sierra Leone government has also instituted an official inquiry into the protests, with prominent opposition figures, including Freetown’s Mayor, summoned for questioning. Meanwhile, the APC has voiced concerns as numerous party members face arrest or ongoing investigations. Families of those in hiding have expressed anxiety over the safety and well-being of their loved ones, amid limited information on their status.
Authorities continue to urge the public to assist in identifying individuals like Alpha Amadu Bah, cautioning that despite over two years having passed, Bah remains at risk of arrest if found within Sierra Leone. The police reaffirm their commitment to apprehending all suspects linked to the August 10 unrest, underscoring the lasting impact the protests have had on the nation’s political and social landscape.
