By Alimany Kamara
Kadiatu Sesay, a well-known businesswoman and grassroots coordinator of the All Peoples Congress from East District, has made an urgent appeal to the international community following what she described as a brutal assault by the police during the August 10th, 2022 protest. The protests, which were held over economic hardships and basic needs, saw widespread unrest across parts of Sierra Leone.
Speaking to journalists, Sesay recounted the horrific events that unfolded when police officers allegedly stormed her residence in Freetown. According to her, protesters fleeing from the police had used an access road near her home to escape into other communities. This, she claims, prompted the police to target her house.
“The police broke into my house, claiming they were searching for protesters,” Sesay explained. “I told them there were no protesters inside, but moments later, another group of officers from the Kissy Division arrived, armed with guns and tear gas. They started shooting inside my apartment, demanding I remove protesters who weren’t there.”
In the chaos, her elder sister was shot dead by the police, Sesay alleged. “I was beaten severely and injured by tear gas. I was rushed to a nearby clinic for first aid. When I regained consciousness, I was told my sister’s body had been taken to the central mortuary,” she added. Her sister was scheduled to be married in September, but tragically lost her life just weeks before the wedding.
Despite repeated requests, Sesay claims the government has not released her sister’s body. She further alleges that she has been receiving death threats and intimidation from supporters of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
“My life is at risk. I am calling on the international community to intervene and help bring justice to my family,” she pleaded.
The August 2022 protests, which erupted over rising living costs and frustrations with the government, resulted in a violent crackdown by security forces. Sesay’s appeal adds to the growing number of accounts of alleged police brutality during the unrest.
The police is yet to respond to these allegations before our publication.
