On Wednesday, August 10, 2022, several independent groups, coordinated by organizer Adebayor, who resides in the Netherlands, spread messages via WhatsApp to hold demonstrations in Freetown. The protesters clashed with police during the event. They expressed their grievances regarding the rising cost of living, alleged electoral irregularities, and corruption within President Julius Maada Bio’s administration. In Freetown, Sierra Leonean police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd, leading to the deaths of at least twenty protesters and six police officers. According to the Sierra Leone Human Rights Commission, it stated that some of the police were dressed in civilian clothes and driving unmarked cars, and had also abducted several youth activists who were believed to be vocal critics of the president’s economic policy.
In response to the unrest, the government took a proactive approach by initiating a formal investigation into the anti-government protests, committing to hold the organizers accountable. After several days of thorough investigation, the commission determined that the Opposition All People’s Congress (APC) had played a role in the unauthorized organization of the protest, which unfortunately led to loss of life and damage to property. The commission recommended that several youth activists and the youth leader of the APC be brought to justice for their involvement in the protest.
The APC Youth leaders, Abdul Songa, Ibrahim Kamara, James Sesay, Abdul Karim Kamara, and the Youth Executive Director, Musa Koroma were arrested on August 12, 2022. However, the Commission reports did not indicate any accountability, including for the Sierra Leonean police officers who fatally shot protestors during the day of the Protest. Indicting police officers will ensure accountability, foster trust, and promote a culture of justice within the community.
Human rights activists and civil society organizations reported that those arrested have been detained without due process, and there are allegations of mistreatment by the state’s security forces. However, following joint efforts by these activists, the Inspector General of Police has unconditionally released the individuals from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Since their release, our sources indicated that these APC Youth Leaders are constantly on the run, fearing for their lives due to ongoing threats from government security forces. An interview with the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, could not confirm or deny the Human Rights activists’ allegations. Nevertheless, the Inspector General stated that all citizens are protected under the law.
