By Mohamed Kamara
On Monday, March 18, 2024, thousands of protesters of all ages took to the streets of Freetown and Waterloo to demonstrate against the sale and addiction of Kush. Retailers and addicts caught by surprise were subjected to beatings by irate protesters, who chanted “No to Kush” while wielding sticks and other non-metal materials.
The most intense protests, which lasted until 11 p.m., were concentrated on Leicester Road, Tengbeh Town, and surrounding communities. Community elders who witnessed the protests remarked that the collective outcry against the importation, sale, and addiction to Kush sends a clear message to all involved in the narcotics trade: their days are numbered, as the public has taken it upon themselves to protest without formal notification to the appropriate authorities.
Mr. Alfred Koroma, a protester at Leicester Road, expressed in an interview that focusing solely on public opinion, views, and commentaries would miss the mark. He emphasized that while some criticisms are directed at politicians, police, customs, and others, what truly matters is a collective approach, exemplified by this protest. Koroma underscored that it demonstrates the public’s awareness of the societal damage and future repercussions of Kush if left unchecked. He highlighted Kush’s detrimental effects, including hindering aspirations, contributing to school dropouts, prompting the sale of personal property to fund addiction, fostering home and community insecurity, escalating petty theft, and posing severe health risks such as physical changes, internal organ damage, and even death. He likened Kush to a book, where every turn of the page reveals a different, often disturbing, story.
