Independent investigations have revealed that in the aftermath of the August 8th – 10th, 2022 political disturbances in Freetown and various parts of the country, a significant number of opposition All People’s Congress (APC) members suspected of direct or indirect involvement in the protests have fled the country to evade possible political victimization. The demonstrations resulted in the unfortunate loss of more than 25 lives, including five police officers.
According to the investigations, nearly 200 opposition supporters were swiftly arrested and detained during and after the violent protests. The police are currently intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend several suspected opposition supporters who are still at large.
In the wake of the protests, a considerable number of opposition party supporters have already been charged, convicted, and sentenced to lengthy prison terms, while others remain in custody awaiting trial.
Furthermore, the death of Evangelist Samson, a prominent opposition supporter in Makeni City, at the hands of the police approximately one week after the protests, has heightened fear among APC party supporters. This fear has driven many to flee the country in order to avoid arrest and potential sentencing.
Human rights activist Mohamed Sidibay expressed concern over the situation, stating, “Although many of the opposition supporters who are being violently rounded up and unjustly accused of participating in the riots are innocent, they are presumed guilty once they appear before the pro-government magistrates in court.”
Among the individuals sought by the Sierra Leone Police is Paul Kamara, a Youth Leader of the opposition APC in his home district of Kono. Kamara stands accused of being present in Freetown during the protest and is urgently required by the police to aid in the investigation into the events of August 10th.