Victims Of The September 11 Killings Should Get Justice
On 11th September 2023, Sierra Leoneans, especially those in the capital, Freetown, were stunned with horror over the killings, intimidation, arrest and detention of people accused of being behind a protest against the government. Members of the security forces, including the infamous Presidential Guards, were reportedly seen shedding live rounds of ammunition against unharmed civilians. To many observers, the security sector’s reaction to the protest, reportedly organized by a group calling itself the People’s Power in Politics (PPP), led by a young Sierra Leonean based in Holland, has not only continued to question the level of professionalism in the security forces, but has equally laid bare the intolerant nature of the current regime.
Perhaps, what startled many compatriots were allegations that some people, who merely chose to sit at home for fear of being victims of police heavy handedness, weren’t spared the brutal onslaught. There are allegations that some five people were victims of these shootings, while dozens were rounded up and taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). One Albert Kargbo, a popular opposition supporter, is said to have been shot right in front of his Thunder Hill residence, as the rest of his family fled for their lives that fateful day. The family could not lay hands on his body for a befitting funeral.
At Moyiba, a deprived community on the slopes overlooking the Eastend of Freetown, a case of mistaken identity gained national attention, when two members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party were reportedly gunned down by men in uniform, after they were thought to be members of the PPP. The assailants were later said to have been reprimanded by their superiors, who visited the community to condole families of the victims. This, however, was not the case for victims killed elsewhere the same day.
Today, as we mourn the needless slaughter of those compatriots, we also call for a speedy and conclusive investigation by the state. We are at a loss as to the reason for the silence of CSOs over these killings
Though protests are constitutional rights of citizens, but the use of live ammunition should be a last resort, and no one deserves to die because they chose to protest against their government. It is even more disheartening that those who were actually killed were never on the streets protesting, but were nevertheless hounded from their homes and shot in broad day light, and whoever is responsible must be immediately prosecuted.
We owe this to their families, we owe this to the rule of law, we owe this to our conscience and our humanity.
Justice for victims of the September 11th Killings is a must!!