Kabba Kabia is being sought by police in connection with the violence during the August 10 protest

The Sierra Leone police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Kabba Kabia and several others following their alleged involvement in a violent protest that occurred on August 10, 2022. The protest, which arose due to the nation’s cost of living crisis, led to widespread unrest in Freetown 3   Conteh Lane Waterloo and Port Loko District Koya Chiefdom in Sierra Leone.

The government has accused Kabba Kabia the protestor of causing the deaths of over 27 civilians and 6 police officers, as well as significant damage to private and government properties. President Bio has attributed the financing of the protest to the opposition and specifically singled out a Sierra Leonean citizen based in Holland.

Kabba Kabia resident at 3 Conteh Lane Waterloo and his friend, residents of Freetown, have been implicated in organizing the protest and have been accused of involvement in the killing of police officers. Although both were beaten and arrested during the protest, Kabba Kabia managed to escape from police custody and has since gone into hiding, along with others who are on the wanted list.

Since the current government came into power in 2018, supporters of the opposition have reportedly faced intimidation, harassment, arrests, and even loss of life in opposition strongholds, leading many to fear persecution and go into hiding. Kabba Kabia and the others remain at large, evading capture by the police, and their current whereabouts are unknown.