By Alhaji Turay
FREETOWN – The Sierra Leone Police has declared Abdulrahman Kamara, 29, and several others wanted in connection with the August 10, 2022 anti-government protests that turned violent and left dozens dead, including six police officers.
According to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Kamara, a commercial bike rider, is alleged to have used his motorbike to transport civilians and placards during the protests. Police allege the placards bore anti-government slogans such as “We want peace, freedom and justice, Maada must go.”
The protests, triggered by the rising cost of living, spread across Freetown, Makeni and Kamakwie. Demonstrators called for the resignation of President Julius Maada Bio. The government reported at least 27 civilian deaths in addition to the six police officers killed, while several properties were destroyed. Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh subsequently declared a nationwide curfew.
Police sources allege that Kamara conspired with opposition supporters and youth groups to organize what they described as unlawful and violent demonstrations. Security sources claimed that Kamara was arrested at his residence on August 10 and detained at an undisclosed location for nearly two weeks before he allegedly escaped from custody.
Police further stated that subsequent raids at kamara’s residence at 42 Kamanda Farm in Moeba, Eastern Freetown, Waterloo and other parts of the capital failed to recapture Kamara and other suspects, even though several others are currently in police custody.
Family members were reportedly caught up in the operation. According to family sources, Kamara’s wife, Jeneba Koroma, and his sisters, Aminata Kamara and Isata Kamara, were arrested, but later escaped.
Relatives told this medium that Kamara’s parents died during the Ebola outbreak, leaving his family vulnerable. They allege intimidation and harassment. Some opposition voices claim that since 2018, supporters of the All People’s Congress (APC) have faced systematic arrests for criticizing the government.
The police have issued a warrant for Kamara’s arrest. As of press time, the whereabouts of Abdulrahman Kamara, his wife Jeneba Koroma, and their 8 years old son, Mohamed A. C. Kamara, remain unknown.
At a press conference at Police Headquarters in Freetown, the police spokesman said a number of people have been declared wanted and a list has been prepared, adding that others are still being sought. He vowed that they will be brought to justice, but declined to comment on allegations of extra-judicial killings by security forces during the protests.
The August 10 incident continues to raise questions about Sierra Leone’s human rights record, following previous incidents in Pademba Road, Tombo, Lunsar, Mile 91 and Makeni.