By Shannon A.L Scott
Lunsar, Sierra Leone — The quiet mining town of Lunsar has become the focus of rising political tensions after Ahmed Conteh, the local youth leader for the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), reportedly went into hiding. Multiple police raids on his residence in recent months have heightened fears among family members and supporters that the move is part of a broader effort to suppress dissent.
According to residents, officers have visited Conteh’s home several times, often in the early hours. “We are worried that if he is caught, he might be detained for a long time without trial,” one relative said on condition of anonymity, citing fears of reprisal.
According to police media one, Assistant Commissioner of Police,Brima Kamara, confirmed that Conteh is wanted for alleged incitement against the government. “A warrant for his arrest has been issued. We call on him to surrender himself voluntarily,” Kamara stated.
Conteh’s disappearance comes amid accusations from opposition supporters that the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is using security forces to intimidate critics. In Lunsar, a town with a history of political activism, some residents view the police action as part of a wider campaign ahead of upcoming local political activities.
The APC, which has been in opposition since 2018, has faced increasing legal and political pressure. Human rights advocates point to recent arrests of activists and party figures as evidence of shrinking political space in Sierra Leone. The government maintains that it is enforcing the law, not targeting political opponents.
As youth leader, Conteh has been a prominent voice in mobilizing young APC supporters in the Northern Province, a region considered an APC stronghold. Police alleged that Conteh made “inciting statements” during recent political gatherings, a charge that carries serious penalties under Sierra Leonean law.
Legal analysts, Abdul Kamara note that incitement cases in Sierra Leone can often be protracted, with defendants spending months in detention before trial. This risk he said, could explain why Conteh has chosen to remain out of sight.
The warrant for Conteh’s arrest was signed by both the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Crime Services, signaling high-level involvement in the case. For now, his whereabouts remain unknown, and the standoff between the APC and the government shows no sign of easing.
As Lunsar watches and waits, the case is becoming a litmus test for Sierra Leone’s democratic credentials — raising questions about whether the nation can balance law enforcement with political freedoms in an already polarized environment.