The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) are actively pursuing suspect Samuel Kalokoh, 25, a protester linked to the violent protests that erupted in parts of Freetown on August 10, 2022. The August 10 protest in Sierra Leone was a large-scale demonstration sparked by widespread public frustration over rising inflation, economic hardship, and perceived government mismanagement.
Citizens expressed anger over the high cost of living, unemployment, and inadequate public services, which led to protests that turned violent in parts of Freetown. The unrest resulted in property damage, clashes with security forces, and the tragic deaths of several police officers and protesters. The protest was driven by deep-seated economic grievances and a lack of trust in government leadership to address the pressing issues facing ordinary Sierra Leoneans. Kalokoh, identified as a resident of the East End of Freetown, remains at large.
Authorities have issued a public appeal for information regarding his whereabouts to aid in his arrest. Several youth have been arrested and placed under police custody, awaiting charges to be levied against them regarding the protest, but Kalokoh remains at large. The unrest which was fueled by widespread anger over inflation, high rate of unemployment, arbitrary arrest, torture, and perceived government mismanagement, resulting in the tragic deaths of six police officers and dozens of protesters.
According to police sources, a colleague of Kalokoh voluntarily identified him as a participant in the violent protests. The Sierra Leone Police have called on the public to assist with any information that could lead to Kalokoh’s arrest. A police spokesperson, Samuel Saio Conteh, emphasized that he is considered a suspect from the East End of Freetown: “Anyone with information about Samuel Kalokoh’s location should contact the nearest police station immediately.” Kalokoh’s family in Freetown said that they are unaware of his current whereabouts.
They expressed concern over his potential return, stating, “If Samuel comes back to Sierra Leone, he will face justice. He is linked to the violent protests, and he will be made to answer for his actions.” The family also expressed their prayers for his safety and hope he remains wherever he is, underscoring the serious charges associated with his name: “We just pray he does not come back. If he does, he will rot in jail,” they said.
Family members revealed that Kalokoh was previously a tiller and later held a part-time job at the 34 Military Hospital, assisting the elderly before joining the protests. As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to bringing those responsible for the unrest to justice and to restoring peace and stability in the country. The police urge anyone with information about protesters’s, including Kalokoh’s whereabouts to come forward to aid in the ongoing manhunt. However, the protests and grievances of Samuel Kalokoh and other demonstrators are fundamentally calling for progress toward SDGs related to poverty reduction, economic opportunity, social equity, justice, and peace.
Their demands reflect a deep-rooted aspiration for sustainable development that prioritizes social justice, inclusive economic growth, and accountable governance — core principles embedded within these SDGs.
