Announcements

By Mohamed Sankoh
Abubakarr Janneh, a 43-year-old man described in reports as a Constituency Chairman of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) in Constituency 126, in the Western Area, has reportedly been declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in connection with the violent demonstrations that occurred August 10th, 2022.

The demonstrations, which affected parts of Sierra Leone, including Freetown, Makeni and Kamakwie, were reportedly triggered by public discontent over economic hardship and other grievances against the government of President Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).

According to information provided to this medium, Abubakarr Janneh was allegedly among those accused of mobilizing youths during the demonstrations.

Protesters were reportedly seen carrying placards expressing dissatisfaction with prevailing economic conditions and the government’s handling of national affairs. Reports also alleged that some demonstrators engaged in violence, including throwing missiles at police officers and disrupting public order.

Abubakarr was reportedly a resident of Gassama Street in Freetown’s East End. However, his alleged involvement in the demonstrations, the circumstances surrounding the reported police action against him and the specific charges, if any, remain subject to confirmation through official police statements and court records.

According to the account provided to this medium, Janneh was identified as one of the individuals allegedly involved in organizing the demonstrations of August 10th , 2022. The unrest reportedly resulted in deaths, injuries and property damage in affected communities.

The account further alleges that Abubakarr led a group of protesters carrying banners bearing messages about economic hardship and alleged economic mismanagement towards State House.

However, the precise location of the reported confrontation, Janneh’s alleged role in the events and the circumstances surrounding the security forces’ response require further verification.

The account also claims that approximately 20 youths were arrested in connection with the unrest and that Abubakarr Janneh was among those detained.

Separate allegations suggest that Abubakarr Janneh experienced illness and poor treatment while in custody. Although human rights organizations and civil society groups have previously raised concerns about detention conditions.

The account further alleges that a fire broke out in one of the cells contained political prisoners at Pademba Road Correctional Centre during an incident at which some inmates reportedly escaped including Abubakarr Janneh.

According to the account, following the reported prison escape, a childhood friend allegedly helped Abubakarr Janneh travel to his village. The account further claims that information about his whereabouts was subsequently passed to APC stakeholders, who allegedly explored options to help him leave the country.
The police announced a reward for information leading to Janneh’s arrest.

The allegations raise questions about the relationship between law enforcement, opposition political activists and the protection of individual rights. However, determining whether Janneh’s case amounts to political persecution would require substantiated evidence and responses from the relevant authorities and the APC.

As of the preparation of this report, the whereabouts of Abubakarr Janneh remain unknown.