The Sierra Leone Police are looking for Gabriel Thomas and several other people they suspect of being involved in the protest that killed several people on August 10 2022. Concerns have been raised by rights organizations urging President Julius Maada Bio’s government not to exploit this situation to target opposition members and stifle dissent.
Gabriel Thomas, a married man with a child, has faced distressing circumstances. He was known as a prominent vocal youth leader who consistently advocated for the rights of Sierra Leoneans.
Officials say Gabriel and Adebayoh, another prominent social media advocate based in Holland, organized various protests in Makeni and Freetown, including the unrest on August 10. The Sierra Leone Police have issued an arrest warrant for Gabriel and many others.
During the events of August 10, 2022, there was widespread civil unrest across the country, with rioters demanding President Bio’s resignation. Things got out of control, resulting in fatalities among law enforcement officials and property damage. In response, the police resorted to harsh measures, resulting in the violent deaths of several prominent opposition figures, such as TAGMEN Chairman Evangelist Samson and his followers in Makeni, Waterloo, and Freetown.
Many members of the targeted opposition group, including Gabriel Thomas, have fled for safety as their fate remains uncertain, causing immense distress to their families. The riot paralyzed normal activities in the capital and opposition strongholds, leading to Gabriel’s identification as a wanted individual by the Sierra Leone Police, increasing the risk of his arrest.
In the aftermath of the August 10 riot, the Sierra Leone government has initiated an inquiry, summoning various opposition members and prominent figures for questioning. The crackdown on the main opposition party, the All Peoples Congress (APC), has resulted in numerous arrests and incarcerations.
Amid these turbulent events, Gabriel’s personal life unraveled, as his wife divorced him under family pressure. Even in the face of personal tragedy following the loss of his child, Gabriel’s whereabouts remain unknown, adding to the uncertainty and concerns surrounding his circumstances.