By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh
Sierra Leone has faced significant challenges concerning the treatment of opposition members by security forces, leading to instances where individuals sought asylum abroad. These events highlight ongoing concerns about human rights and the protection of political freedoms in the country.
In July 2020, a fierce protest erupted in Makeni, primarily driven by public discontent over moving a standby generator meant to serve the people in the event of power outage from the national electricity grid.
The peaceful demonstration was met with forceful responses from security forces, resulting in the deaths of at least six civilians, including a child.
Many sustained severe injuries and wounds from bullets, and several arrests were made.
Most of the arrested persons were taken to unknown detention centres away from Makeni; and Abdul Sankoh - a strong opposition critic of the Bio administration - was among dozens of young people arbitrary arrested and detained.
The government's imposition of a nationwide curfew and the subsequent arrests raised concerns about the use of excessive force and the suppression of free expression, especially for opposition members and other critics.
In honour of those who died two years after the generator saga, Like Minds for Makeni, scheduled November 5th, 2022, to host a memorial service and graveside decoration at the Makeni main cemetery.
Plans were underway when organizers of the event - Like Minds for Makeni - started receiving threats from both members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party and security forces.
Abdul Sankoh, who serves as Publicity Secretary for this pressure group, was among the few people being targeted.
In a telephone interview with Abdul, he confirmed to this medium that he
received a WhatsApp call from a staunch supporter of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party who identified himself as Jalloh - accusing him of masterminding a protest and inciting the public on the guise of hosting a memorial service.
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| Opposition Members of Parliament wearing all black after the Makeni massacre in Parliament |
Despite this threat, the Like Minds from Makeni didn't relent to honour deceased persons they referred to as fallen heroes.
Abdul and his colleague - Osman Bah - were having a radio discussion program in a community radio (Radio Mankneh) on the 3rd November 2022 to discuss plans and activities to be rolled out during the memorial service.
A reporter at Radio Mankneh who remained anonymous told us that, they were horrified when government supporters, escorted by security personnel in vehicles with veiled license plates stormed the radio premise demanding for Abdul and his colleague, Osman Bah.
The reporter further said that Osman Bah, who was the Coordinator of Like Minds for Makeni, narrowly escaped from the studios for safety.
Since that day, relatives of Bah have confirmed that his whereabout is still unknown.
The entire building of the radio station was cordoned by armed security forces, and Abdul was unable to escape. The reporter added.
Abdul Sankoh explained that about seven armed police and military officers barged into the studios and forcefully took him out of the building, confiscates his mobile phone and laptop computer; and tortured severely.
He continued that, while some of the officers were using objects like gun butt, sticks, and wooden chairs to torture him, others were applying pepper spray and other harmful chemicals on him. He confirmed that one of the chemicals sprayed on his hand has left a lasting injury and pain on him.
A few weeks after what's described as human rights violations, our medium visited health facilities as well as detention centres where opposition members and critics of the Bio administration were either treated for wounds or being incarcerated. At Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital, we discovered up to five other people receiving medical treatment as a result of physical assault by security forces.
Sullay Kamara was among the five patients at Chinese Hospital who were beaten by police officers for condemning the frequent human rights abuses in the country on his Facebook page.
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| Protesters in one of the Streets in Makeni |
Abdul Rahim Sankoh, according to the medical report, he sustained multiple injuries in his head, back, and other body parts.
During that interview, he promised to flee the country for safety as he continued to face threats even on his sick bed.
These incidents contribute to a climate where opposition members and critics of the government face significant risks, including arbitrary detention, physical abuse, and threats to personal safety.
Such conditions often compel individuals to seek asylum in other countries, escaping potential persecution.
The international community continues to monitor these developments, advocating for the protection of human rights and the promotion of democratic freedoms in Sierra Leone.
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