By: Karim Bangura
Abass Bundus Turay, a young Sierra Leonean, has reportedly fled the country to an undisclosed location, citing fears of political persecution and unjust treatment in the wake of the government’s crackdown following the August 10, 2022 riot.
What began as a nationwide protest against government policies quickly spiraled into bloodshed, leaving dozens dead and triggering one of the most sweeping crackdowns in Sierra Leone’s recent history. Security forces were given a clear mandate to trace, arrest, and imprison anyone linked to the demonstration. Many of those captured were sentenced to eight years in prison, while others mysteriously disappeared.
Abass’ ordeal highlights the vulnerability of individuals caught in politically sensitive cases. He was soon branded an enemy of the state, a label that placed his life in jeopardy. His fears deepened on July 20, 2025, when three of his close friends, Gibrilla Kamara, Jamil, and Chernor Jalloh were arrested immediately after returning from neighboring Guinea.
According to sources close to him, the arrests were carried out without substantial evidence and based largely on suspicion. The men were allegedly denied legal representation and subjected to harsh treatment during detention. For Abass, the threat became even more personal when his brother, Alhaji Turay, was killed during the riot. Fearing that his association with the detainees and his family’s history would make him the next target, Abass fled Sierra Leone to save his life.
His family has since come under relentless pressure. Sources revealed that security forces raided Abass’ family house at Up-Gun, Black Hall Road, where his wife, Ya Bom Sesay, and siblings were reportedly manhandled in a bid to force them to disclose his whereabouts.
Human rights advocates say Abass’ case reflects a disturbing trend. “The system is designed to silence dissent. Many of these young men never held weapons. Their only crime was being present,” said Alusine Turay, a human rights activist
The arrests of Gibrilla, Jamil, and Chernor Jalloh, along with Abass’ disappearance, have heightened concerns about human rights and due process in Sierra Leone. Sources warn that if Abass is found in the country, he faces immediate arrest and imprisonment.