Police Accused of Targeting Peaceful Protesters Following August 10 Demonstration

By Mohamed Bah

Freetown, Sierra Leone – Tensions continue to mount in Sierra Leone following the government’s forceful response to the anti-government protest held on August 10, 2022. What began as a public demonstration against rising hardship and perceived government failures has turned into a nationwide crackdown, with reports of arbitrary arrests, detentions, and alleged killings by security forces.

According to credible sources, at least 135 individuals were arrested within 24 hours of the protest. Seven people reportedly died during or shortly after the demonstration. The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have since launched a manhunt for both alleged ringleaders and ordinary citizens believed to have participated in the protest.

Among those being pursued is Papane Sesay, a respected painter and printer based in the Probyn Street, off Mountain Cutt community. Authorities accuse Mr. Sesay and his family—including his son, Francis Sesay—of producing protest materials, notably T-shirts bearing the slogan “President Julius Maada Bio Must Go.”

Alfred Massaquoi, a supporter of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), confirmed that the Sesay family printed a significant portion of the protest gear. “I thought it was just a joke when I saw him printing those shirts,” Massaquoi said. “But on the day of the protest, thousands were wearing them and flooding the streets.”

Despite his political leanings, Massaquoi criticized the government’s handling of the situation. “With all due respect to the authorities, these people came out peacefully. Why should they be arrested or even shot?” he asked.

The police have reportedly intensified their search, offering monetary rewards for information leading to the capture of key figures involved in the protest. Prominent activists such as Denis Bangura and Amie Conteh are also believed to be among those being targeted.

Dozens of opposition party members have since been detained, many of whom remain in custody at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre in Freetown. Human rights groups have condemned the arrests, accusing the government of using excessive force to suppress dissent.

“In a democracy, citizens must be allowed to express themselves through peaceful protest,” said Joseph Sam, a local human rights advocate. “This is not law enforcement—it’s political repression.”

A whistleblower, speaking under the pseudonym Thaimu Koroma, claimed that night raids led by security officials, including Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Lahai Lawrence Leema, have been taking place under the cover of curfew. “Many of those arrested haven’t been seen again. I fear some may have been killed,” he said.

In an interview from an undisclosed location, Mr. Papane Sesay said he narrowly escaped with some of his family members after spotting police officers near his home. “Some of my colleagues were shot during the protest. The trauma has been overwhelming. I had to flee immediately to protect my children,” he said.

Francis Sesay, also speaking from hiding, recounted his own narrow escape. “I was injured during the protest but managed to run for my life with the help of my father. There were gunshots and teargas everywhere—it was chaos,” he said.

The Sesay family remains in hiding, fearing arrest or worse if apprehended.

Mohamed Kamara, a political analyst based in Freetown, warned that the environment is no longer safe for those associated with the August 10 protest. “If you are identified with that movement, you risk arrest or even death. My advice to people like Mr. Sesay and his son is to leave the country if they still can.”

When contacted for comment, the Sierra Leone Police declined to respond, saying it was not the appropriate time to speak to the media.

Since taking office in 2018, the SLPP government has faced increasing criticism over its handling of dissent, with numerous reports of civilians being detained or shot for protesting or criticizing government policies.