The security situation was tense in the East End of Freetown and other parts of the provinces on Wednesday, 10 August as some people ventured out to protest over what they claimed to be the high cost of living in the country. There were roadblocks, in some parts of the East End of Freetown, set up by the protesters, some burning tires at strategic points chanting, “Maada Must Go” contrary to the tranquility that prevailed in most parts of the West End of Freetown. According to a press release from the Sierra Leone Police, dated Thursday 11 August 2022, a total of 21 were killed during the Violence in the country.
It became really tense as the time was approaching mid-day and the Honourable Vice President and Deputy Chairman of the National Security Council directed the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to assist the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) under the backing of Military Aid to Civil Power (MACP) Policy in the Emergency Category.
The directive was consequent on the potentially volatile security situation in the country caused by repeated social media incitements of the gullible population to embark on a countrywide violent demonstration with the aim of subverting the peace and stability of the State
As the security personnel, including Police Officers and Soldiers, were patrolling the streets in vehicles they were pelted with stones and other ‘missiles’ by the protesters, mainly made up of disgruntled youths and traders.
In return, the security personnel at first fired tear gas canisters to disperse small crowds of protesters that were seen in different parts trying to advance forward and overwhelm the security personnel. However, when it became apparent that the various crowds of people were still adamant and really bent on causing mischief, the security personnel resorted to firing live bullets, which lasted for hours.
Seven Police Officers, three in Kamakwie, one in Makeni, and three in Freetown, and twelve civilians, two in Kamakwie, four in Makeni, and six in Freetown were reportedly killed on that fateful day.
As the situation further degenerated into lawlessness a nationwide curfew was declared across Sierra Leone commencing 3:00 pm to last up to 7:00 am on Thursday morning, 11th August 2022.
So far some have attributed the insurrection to the instructions of one Adebayor, a Sierra Leonean said to be residing in Holland, who has been releasing audios in which he has been caustically criticizing the SLPP Bio led Government for the economic hardship that many are said to be going through at the current moment.
It was stated that it was he who declared the 8th, 9th, and 10th August 2022 as days when Sierra Leoneans, especially business people, staged a nationwide protest as a way of registering their dissatisfaction with the way the present Government is governing the country.
Reacting to the ugly incident some Sierra Leoneans have expressed divergent views, According to a Lecturer and Political Commentator, Alhaji U. N’jai, said the President must speak to the people of Sierra Leone and take them along with his vision and challenges.
“Get down to the masses from the East, West, North, and South of the country, listening to them with the goal of making positive changes for leadership is a process and not a position. Great leaders are born in moments of crisis,” he suggested, continuing that he must be a leader of the nation and speak to the hearts and minds of every Sierra Leonean on peace, unity, national identity and cohesion, patriotism, and what it means to be a good citizen.
He underscored that the President must inspire hope and self-belief among young Sierra Leoneans of a brighter future; a Sierra Leone that they can be proud of and one that they can help build by giving them voice and agency.
“Be deliberate and intentional in being a father of all Sierra Leoneans and let it be one that is seen and felt by every citizen from Kailahun to Koinadugu, Falaba, Pujehun, Kambia, Karene, Kono, Bo, Kenema, Tonkolili, Port Loko, Moyamba and Western Area.
He said the President had an opportunity very few Sierra Leoneans will ever have in 2018; that is Head of State for a second time.
“Please treat it with utmost respect and humility. Your legacy hinges on how you perform now. You alone can direct what story you want us to tell our kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids about you. Would that story be one of greatness or one that led us to further divisions? I pray that it is former and not the latter. Your advisers may provide a wide range of advice, I hope you know that it is your legacy and not them that is on the line,” he further recommended.
By Mohamed Amara Gando
