The Sierra Leone Police have officially declared Abu Bakar Kamara, a resident of Moyeba Baghdad, wanted as one of the collaborators of the August 10 skirmishes that led to the death of some security personnel and civilians.
According to the release put out by the Sierra Leone Police, on the 14th of August 2022 which was four days after the protest, Abu Bakar Kamara’s name and photo was among the 145 people declared wanted the police. The August 10 Protest which was organized by civilians was to let the government understand the plight of the masses over the the continuously rising cost goods in the country. The protest in question was popularized by a Sierra Leonean civil right activist living in the Netherlands nickname Adebayor.
Adewbayor as he is popularly known is said to have used his usual social media platform calling for a nationwide protest against the current government due to the rising cost of commodities in the country as well as other issues of human right violations, injustice and many more.
Kamara faces allegations related to incitement, public disorder, and participating in an unlawful protest. These accusations stem from the recent skirmishes that occurred during protests a few days ago.
During a press conference, Police Spokesman Brima Kamara stated, “All individuals whose names and images have been published on our website have cases to answer. Therefore, I urge them to report to the nearest police station.” Kamara’s comments emphasize the police’s commitment to addressing the unrest linked to the protests and encouraging those involved to cooperate with law enforcement.
The August 10 protests were organized by a group known as the People’s Power Party (PPP), led by Abdul Will Kamara, popularly known as Adebayor. Currently residing in the Netherlands, Adebayor is recognized as a civil rights activist with a considerable following due to his widely circulated audio recordings, which resonate with many Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad.
The police have not only aimed to apprehend Abu Bakar Kamara but have also indicated a wider investigation into the protest activities, suggesting that more individuals may be sought for questioning. The situation remains tense, with many in the community anxious about the ramifications of the protests and the police’s actions. Authorities are urging peaceful dialogue and resolution as they navigate the implications of the unrest on Sierra Leonean society.
Sources within the community where Abu Bakar Kamara lives are that the young man is not a member of any political party but that his position as youth chairman placed him in commanding stature wherein most of the youth do listen to him. On the issue of the August 10 protest, others who spoke to this medium disclosed that the young man was not part of the protesters and that he is not a member of the opposition All Peoples Congress Party. But others in the SLPP held the view that Abu Bakar Kamara was patronizing the Opposition APC referencing some of his negative comments against the government.
It will interest readers to know that government reaction to the protest ended in fatality. Whilst briefing a cross section of the Diplomatic Community in Freetown, Opposition APC National Chairman , Ernest Bai Koroma told them how people were targeted in their homes , arrested and detained at different police station across the country. Others were shot in front of their houses and abandoned to die. The issue of name calling and finger pointing gained dominance where people began to run for their lives in search of safe haven.
Recently, in the northern part of Makeni a young man by the name of Evangelist Sampson was gunned down by security forces four days after the August 10. The death of Evangelist Sampson became topical to the extent that both local and international media picked it up.
As the case develops, the public awaits further updates from the police regarding those held in detention as well those declared wanted..