Former Boxing Technician Runs for His Life After His Same-Sex Identity Was Exposed

By Fatmata Bundu (232news-Freetown)

In Sierra Leone, being a homosexual is not only considered wrong by many people, but it is also seen as something that brings shame to families and communities. Culturally and religiously, most people in Sierra Leone reject homosexuality. In fact, someone who is even suspected of being a homosexual can be kicked out by their own family, rejected by society, or in some cases, could even be killed. Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, which criminalises acts of ‘buggery’. This provision carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Only men are criminalized under this law.

This is the sad and dangerous situation that Sulaiman Mohamed Kamara, a former boxing ring technician, now faces. He is running for his life after his homosexual relationship was discovered. His life changed forever because of what happened during a trip with the national boxing team.

In February 2024, Sulaiman traveled with the Sierra Leone boxing team for a competition in Italy. While waiting for their connecting flight in Ivory Coast, Sulaiman was seen having a homosexual relationship with his close friend and boxer, Salieu Bah.

Soon, the news spread quickly. By the time it reached their hometowns of Kroo Town Road and Kossoh Town in Freetown respectively, their families and neighbors were already angry and upset. Both families felt completely embarrassed and ashamed. Almost immediately, they sent messages to Sulaiman and Salieu threatening to kill them if they dared to return home. Even their boxing teammates turned their backs on them.

What made things even worse was that both Sulaiman and Salieu come from strict Muslim families. Their parents are respected in those communities and are known to follow Islamic traditions closely.

When Sulaiman’s father, Alhaji Mohamed Sorie Kamara, was asked about the situation, he said that his son had brought shame to their family and had broken his heart. He told reporters, “It is better for Sulaiman to die than to live and disgrace the family further.” He also said that the community fears Sulaiman could “influence other young boys.”

According to his father this is not the first time Sulaiman has involved in such practiced, which made him to go into hiding. “When we are thinking of the first act he committed then this second one came,” said Alhaji Mohamed Sorie Kamara in an angry mood.

Her mother, a prominent female Chief in that community was left with shattered heart considering her role and what they have been campaigned against now falls at her feet’s.

Because of all these threats, Sulaiman is now hiding. Nobody knows where he is, and he is afraid to return to Sierra Leone. Salieu Bah has also disappeared. Onto press time, the whereabouts of Sulaiman Mohamed Kamara remain unknown.

When this medium contacted Salieu’s father at his Kossoh Town resident, he refused to comment on the issue as he was looking heartbroken considering the value of his Fullah’s tradition.

Although Sierra Leone gained independence in 1961, all provisions of the Offences Against the Person Act remain in force. As such, Sierra Leone continues to criminalise same sexual activity today.