Abdulai Jalloh, a bisexual man from Sierra Leone, fled for his life after his partner was brutally murdered because of his sexual orientation. Abdulai’s whereabouts are unknown.
Abdulai Jalloh was born in 1994 in Kenema, Sierra Leone to Yusuf and Isatu Jalloh. He grew up within the Fulani ethnic group and practiced Islam. Fulas are fervent Muslims and firm believers in cultures and traditions. Fulas are one of Africa’s largest ethnic groups.
His education journey included attending St. Paul Primary School and Holy Trinity Secondary School. He studied Economics at Fourah Bay College. However, his life took a traumatic turn due to his sexual orientation.
Abdulai’s realization of his sexuality at the age of fourteen led him to hide his attraction towards men while pretending to date females to fit in. Eventually, he found love and acceptance with Mohamed, but their relationship had to remain hidden due to societal norms against same-sex relationships.
In September 2021, tragedy struck when they were photographed together. Abdulai fled for his life after public humiliation and violence. Abdulai was forced to leave his home and community after Mohamed, his partner, was killed.
A plea for help to the authorities was dismissed, and he faced further threats, which led him to flee to Freetown. His current location is yet unknown. There is concern among friends and family about his whereabouts. Friends in Freetown said Abdulai was in Freetown before he disappeared, but could not confirm whether he fled or was murdered.
SAME sex is illegal in Sierra Leone. Often, same-sex people are persecuted in communities. US Ambassador Bryan Hunt recently faced serious backlash after calling for the rights of same-sex people to be respected. Commenters on the US embassy’s Facebook page said they would resist any efforts to allow gays to exist. In some comments, US Embassy officials are threatened if they promote gay agendas in Sierra Leone.
Abdulai’s story sheds light on the harrowing realities faced by individuals persecuted due to their sexual orientation, urging the need for protection and support for LGBTQ individuals worldwide.