Mariama Kargbo Faces Death Threats & Discrimination

Reports from Wilkinson Road, west end of Freetown, reveal that one Mariama Kargbo, married to Abdulai Aziz Kamara, was caught red-handed by her husband in the act of lesbianism. According to sources, Madam Kargbo, who is married and in her mid-40s, has been secretly engaging in sexual relations with her lesbian partner, Aminata Sesay.
They had been seen together on many occasions, but no one suspected they were lesbians until they were caught on that fateful day.

Eyewitnesses who spoke to this medium explained that it was Madam Kargbo’s husband, who first broke the news of his wife’s immoral activities, a news that did not go down well with members of the community. Same-sex relationships are generally not accepted in Sierra Leone, where religious conservatism is strong. Both Christian and Muslim communities, along with much of society, express disapproval of such relationships.
Although Sierra Leone is a secular state, the issue of same-sex marriage considered a human rights matter in the Western world has not been welcomed in the country.

Former President of Sierra Leone, the late Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, was bastardized by the public when, during his reign, attempt was made to legalize same sex marriage. The issue resurfaced during the tenure of former President Ernest Bai Koroma, when the government considered legalizing same-sex marriage. This proposal faced strong opposition from religious leaders, particularly due to their large followings.
Reports indicate that more than 50 individuals in Sierra Leone have faced inhumane treatment for engaging in same-sex relationships. Documented cases include incidents of lynching, stigmatization, and banishment from communities targeting individuals identified as gay, lesbian, or transgender.
One of the most high-profile cases was the killing of FannyAnn Eddy, a leading human rights defender and founder of the Sierra Leone Lesbian and Gay Association. Recognized across Africa for her advocacy on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, Eddy, 30, was discovered dead on September 29. Investigations indicated that, while she was working alone in the Association’s offices the night before, unidentified individuals forced entry into the premises. She was reportedly sexually assaulted, stabbed, and suffered fatal neck injuries.
In the words of Sheik Abubakarr Conteh, same-sex marriage is “something evil.” He stated:

“There’s no way we can support such immoral acts in our country. This should not be tolerated. We must let the government know that such acts are against the will of Almighty Allah. Therefore, anyone involved in such practices should not be allowed to live.” He was quoted as making these remarks to worshippers during  one Friday prayers. Bishop Archibald Cole, in one of his public lectures, also expressed strong disapproval of same-sex marriage and urged the government to pay close attention to the counsel of religious leaders.

In the words of the Sierra Leone Human Rights Commission, Henry Sheku Sesay says Sierra Leone is a signatory to the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights, and therefore people should be free to practice whatever lifestyle they feel is good for them. “We are a secular state and must ensure we allow people to go about their way of life unhindered. We must not tie religious laws to national laws, especially when there is no law criminalizing the act of same sex marriage.”
Reports indicate that it was Madam Kargbo’s husband who first disclosed the incident, though he has declined to speak to journalists. It is reported that Madam Kargbo escaped through a window after being discovered by her husband in the company of her alleged lesbian partner.
In light of these events, Madam Kargbo’s place in any community in Sierra Leone has become increasingly difficult, as she comes from a deeply religious family. Family members have expressed anger over her actions and have disowned her. Sources close to Mariama report that she has been missing since the incident.
Efforts to contact both Madam Kargbo and her alleged partner were unsuccessful at the time of going to press.