By: Ibrahim Kargbo
In a tense standoff between traditional authority and personal freedom, a young man named Sheku Kamara, a native of Nerekoro Village, Kafe Simiria Chiefdom in Kambia District, has been declared wanted by members of the Secret Poro Society after reportedly escaping forced initiation rites in 2024.
Kamara, who resides at 5 Macarthy Street, Freetown, had traveled to his home village in August 2024 to attend the funeral of his father, Abdulai Kamara, a former high-ranking member of the Secret Poro Society. Sources familiar with local customs revealed that Sheku was expected to inherit his father’s role within the society, a generational tradition passed from father to son. Unknown to him, arrangements had allegedly been made by elders to initiate him shortly after the funeral.
A few days later, according to eyewitness accounts, a group of masked men dressed in red and black traditional garments stormed the family compound at nightfall, singing ritual Susu chants instructing villagers to remain indoors. Sheku was forcefully taken to the society bush under heavy guard to await the initiation ceremony.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when, with help from an unidentified ally—rumored to be a society insider—Sheku Kamara managed to flee the initiation camp in September 2024. His escape triggered uproar among society members, who accused him of desecrating tradition and disrupting the spiritual order.
In response, members of the Poro Society launched an extensive manhunt across nearby towns and communities, declaring Kamara “wanted” and vowing to bring him before their elders for questioning and punishment. Reports say groups of initiates have been chanting in Susu: “Muna nga bunyi dondon, a wara na nyine”, meaning “He who escapes the path of men must return as a spirit.”
The Times SL northern correspondent notes that this case highlights a longstanding conflict between customary practices and constitutional rights in Sierra Leone. Human rights groups and civil society organizations have repeatedly condemned the practice of forced initiation by secret societies, particularly in rural areas where such societies often operate above the law.
Despite Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution guaranteeing freedom of movement and association, the influence of powerful traditional groups remains entrenched. Critics argue that law enforcement authorities often turn a blind eye, fearing political backlash or disruption of local alliances ahead of elections.
As of the time of this report, Sheku Kamara’s whereabouts remain unknown. Local authorities have made no public comment, and attempts to reach police officials in Kambia for clarification have been unsuccessful.
*The Times SL will continue to monitor this unfolding situation.*