By Mohamed Kamara
Kadiatu Sesay, the All People’s Congress (APC) grassroots coordinator for the eastern district, is currently on the run. Madam Sesay, an active grassroots member, has expressed fear for her safety following multiple attacks, detentions, and threats from the Sierra Leone Police and supporters of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
Speaking to this medium, Mr. Mohamed Barrie, Public Relations Officer for the APC East District, stated that Madam Sesay’s human rights have been repeatedly violated. He recounted that in the lead-up to the 2023 elections, the APC office was attacked by police, leaving several supporters injured. On June 25th, after the polls had closed, APC officials and supporters were again assaulted by security forces in what many saw as an attempted assassination on the APC leader and flag bearer.
Following these incidents, Madam Kadiatu was outspoken in condemning the violence and critiquing the police. As a result, she was beaten, detained, and warned by the police to cease what they perceived as subversive activity. Mr. Barrie also mentioned the arrest of APC North District organizing secretary Abubakar, known as DJ Boxx, a close associate of Madam Kadiatu. DJ Boxx was arrested in a joint operation by Guinean authorities and Sierra Leonean security forces, accused of involvement in a failed coup attempt on November 26th, 2023.
Madam Kadiatu, angered by the arrest of DJ Boxx, publicly criticized the government. While discussing the situation in a local restaurant, special forces arrived and demanded to see her identification. When she couldn’t provide an ID, the officers began questioning her about her comments. Frustrated, she discreetly began recording the officers on her cellphone. She was then arrested and asked to hand over and unlock her phone, which she refused. The police later discovered exchanged messages between her and DJ Boxx, leading to accusations that she was inciting rebellion.
According to Mr. Barrie, Madam Kadiatu was held in custody for over two hours and subjected to degrading treatment. She was forced to sleep nearly naked on a wet floor and detained in a filthy, dark, mosquito-infested cell for over three weeks before being released on bail through her lawyer’s efforts.
Mr. Barrie concluded by highlighting that hundreds of APC supporters have been arrested before and after the elections, with many still in jail or unaccounted for, despite repeated calls for their release. He fears Madam Kadiatu may have fled due to the failure of the police, who, instead of protecting citizens, have allegedly become tools of political patronage.
