By Foday Moriba Conteh
For over five days now, the silence surrounding the disappearance of Joseph Fayia Mandegra, a prominent gay man and gay rights activist, has echoed through the streets of Sierra Leone, a country where homosexuality remains criminalized and deeply stigmatized. Joseph, who was known for his bravery in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, vanished on 27th August 2021 under mysterious circumstances, prompting fears for his safety and calls for justice.
Joseph, 29 years old man had faced relentless persecution throughout his life. Following the passage of harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Sierra Leone, he became a target for violence and discrimination. Friends and family reported that he had received numerous threats, forcing him into hiding at various times. His activism, which included public speeches and community outreach, made him a symbol of hope for many, but also a target for those opposed to change.
The investigation into his disappearance was initiated by journalist Foday Moriba Conteh, Staff Writer, The Calabash Newspaper, who has been tirelessly working to bring attention to the plight of LGBTQ+ individuals in Sierra Leone
Through interviews with Joseph’s friends, colleague workers at GTI Moyamba, and fellow activists, Foday Moriba Conteh uncovered a web of fear and silence. “Joseph’s case highlights the urgent need for awareness and action,” he stated. “His story is not just about one man; it’s about countless others living in fear every day.”
Eyewitness accounts suggest that Joseph was last seen in Moyamba District, Southern Province of Sierra Leone, where he had been staying. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear, but many speculate that he may have been targeted by individuals opposed to his identity. The absence of a thorough investigation by local authorities has led to widespread frustration among advocacy groups.
A colleague recounted a disturbing incident on campus on the 18th of August 2021, where Joseph’s elder brother and his soldier friends attacked Joseph over the latter’s identification as LGBTQ+. “The altercation occurred after the younger brother openly came out, prompting an intense confrontation fueled by the elder sibling’s disapproval,” said a close work colleague. The colleague described the older brother’s anger as explosive, with physical aggression directed at his sibling for what he deemed unacceptable behaviour. “The campus community was shocked by the assault and intimidation Joseph faced that day in the full view of students and other colleague tutors,” another colleague lamented.
“The ongoing persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals in Sierra Leone must end,” said Joseph Kanu, a Human Rights Activist. “Jospeh’s case is a stark reminder of the dangers they face daily.”
Joseph Kanu, however, demanded justice and greater protection for vulnerable populations. Joseph’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in regions where their existence is criminalized, urging the world to listen and take action.
The elderly brother, firm in his disapproval of LGBTQ+ issues, sternly refuses to speak with journalists about his younger brother’s disappearance, despite pressure from the media. His disapproval of LGBTQ+ issues fuels his reluctance, and he warns reporters to stay away from his family, insisting that the matter is private and culturally unacceptable. He sees his brother’s identity as something to be kept out of public view, unwilling to allow the LGBTQ+ angle to shape the narrative. The interview requests only fuel his resentment, and he makes it clear that any further intrusion will not be tolerated. For him, the pain of his brother’s disappearance is compounded by his refusal to accept a truth he can not reconcile.
As of press time, the whereabouts of Joseph Fayia Mandegra remain unknown, with the search ongoing. His disappearance serves as a call to action, urging us all to stand against injustice and to support those who fight for the right to love freely and openly.
