In the aftermath of the failed coup attempt on November 26, 2023, the whereabouts of opposition supporters in Sierra Leone remain unknown. Dozens of individuals who supported the opposition including some who had served in the previous All People’s Congress Government, were killed, arrested, jailed, or dismissed from their jobs. Human rights organizations have decried the oppressive actions of the ruling government.
Police and army officers in Sierra Leone associated with the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) were killed by security forces. Senior officials of the opposition have faced illegal searches, seizures, and arrests since the violent events in Freetown.
Among the casualties of the alleged coup plot was Idrissa Kamara, widely recognized as Leather Boots, a former security officer of ex-President Ernest Koroma of the APC. He was forcefully removed from his home and shot dead, his lifeless body left exposed for prolonged public viewing.
Additionally, military Corporal Eddie Conteh, who served as one of the present bodyguards of former President Koroma, fell victim to government forces.
In the aftermath of these tragic events, several Sierra Leoneans lost their jobs, while others faced attacks from government supporters. One individual who experienced severe harassment is Ibrahim Deen Swarray, an employee of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department.
During the November 26 coup attempt, Ibrahim was stationed at the Gbalamuya crossing point, overseeing the border between Sierra Leone and Guinea. Gbalamuya In Kambia district is the main crossing point between Sierra Leone and Guinea, where most of the coup plotters entered Sierra Leone. Against this backdrop, Ibrahim was falsely accused by supporters of the ruling government of assisting the coup plotters and taking part in the coup, his mother narrowly escaped death when an attack was made on his family home in Waterloo. Following his transfer to Freetown, Ibrahim endured relentless hours of interrogation.
After enduring numerous rounds of questioning, Ibrahim was eventually released and permitted to return to work. However, his current whereabouts remain a mystery. Ibrahim, known for his activism, leadership in the community, and membership in the opposition All People’s Party, is now missing, causing deep concern among his family members.
Expressing grave apprehension, human rights organizations have implored the government to intervene and put an end to the violence and intimidation faced by individuals like Ibrahim. In the face of uncertainty and danger, Ibrahim Deen Swarray’s story stands as a stark reminder of the perils faced by those who dare to speak out against injustice.