In Sierra Leone’s tense political climate, the story of Sorie Brima Kargbo, an administrative assistant in the dispatch section at the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, stands as a harrowing example of the brutal crackdown on dissent. Kargbo, a known member of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), was arrested in connection with the August 10, 2022 protests, a day that remains etched in the nation’s memory for its violent suppression by state security forces.
The August 10 demonstration was a mass protest against the government, fueled by rising economic hardship, alleged corruption, and calls for President Julius Maada Bio’s resignation. The response from security forces was swift and deadly. Reports indicate that numerous protesters were shot at point-blank range, while others fell victim to stray bullets. The exact death toll remains disputed, with human rights organizations estimating dozens killed, while the government downplayed the figures.
Sorie Brima Kargbo was among those detained in the aftermath. He was taken to the notorious Benghazi detention center at the OSD Headquarters on King Harman Road, Freetown, a facility infamous for its brutal treatment of detainees. According to sources, Kargbo was believed to have endured severe torture and physical abuse during his detention, leaving him with serious injuries. The conditions at Benghazi have long been condemned by human rights groups, with former detainees recounting horrific experiences of beatings, psychological torment, and inhumane treatment. Kargbo’s case added to the growing list of victims who suffered under state-sanctioned brutality.
In a twist that many describe as miraculous, Kargbo was believed to have escaped detention, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. His escape, however, did not grant him freedom for long. The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) declared him wanted, ensuring that he remained a target of state persecution. His whereabouts are currently unknown, and his family and supporters fear for his safety. A Symbol of Resistance and Repression
Kargbo’s ordeal highlights the broader pattern of political repression in Sierra Leone, where opposition members, activists, and ordinary citizens face arrest, torture, and even death for challenging the government. The August 10 protest was a watershed moment, exposing the lengths to which authorities would go to silence dissent.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Sierra Leone’s own Civil Society groups, have called for independent investigations into the killings and abuses surrounding the protest. However, accountability remains elusive, with many victims still seeking justice. Sorie Brima Kargbo’s story is not just his own it reflects the struggles of countless Sierra Leoneans who dare to speak out against injustice. His alleged torture, escape, and subsequent manhunt underscore the dangers faced by those who oppose the current administration.
Until the government addresses these human rights violations and ensures justice for victims like Kargbo, Sierra Leone’s democracy will remain under threat. The international community must continue to pressure the Bio administration to uphold the rule of law and end the culture of impunity that has allowed such abuses to persist. For now, Kargbo remains a fugitive in his own country, a living testament to the price of dissent in a nation still grappling with its democratic future.