In a significant move, the Sierra Leone police issued an arrest warrant for a teenager, Oliver Ibrahim Mansaray and several other individuals linked to a violent protest that erupted on August 10, 2022. They were instigated by his Uncle Lansana Sheriff, who is a politician. This unrest was fueled by a crippling cost of living crisis that has gripped the nation, leading to chaotic demonstrations in the streets of Freetown, with notable turmoil in the neighbourhoods of Percy Street, Kissy, and Rukupa.
The government has made grave allegations against Oliver Ibrahim Mansaray, claiming he played a crucial role in the catastrophic events that resulted in the deaths of more than 14 civilians and 6 police officers during the protests. Among the deceased was his uncle, Lansana Sheriff, whose body lay unrecovered on the grounds of Rukupa for three harrowing days. The protests not only claimed li,vwhos but inflicted severe damage on private and government properties, escalating the unrest that swept through the city. President Bio has publicly accused the opposition of orchestrating these protests, specifically naming a Sierra Leonean in Holland as a central figure in this purported conspiracy.
Oliver Ibrahim Mansaray, a resident of Percy Street in Kissy, is not acting alone; he is believed to have conspired with a close friend who also hails from Freetown. Together, they face serious charges of inciting violence that directly led to the fatalities of law enforcement personnel amid the turmoil. In the chaos that followed, many individuals sought refuge and evaded capture, but Oliver and his companions remain elusive figures on the wanted list, their whereabouts cloaked in secrecy.
Since the current government took power in 2018, reports of intimidation and harassment have increased dramatically, particularly targeting opposition supporters in areas known for their anti-government sentiment. This oppressive atmosphere has caused many citizens to slip into hiding, gripped by fear for their safety. As the situation stands, Oliver Ibrahim Mansaray and his associates continue to evade law enforcement, their escape proving elusive, and authorities are left in the dark about their actual locations.
