By Abdulai Tarawallie
As the political tension in the country intensifies, a key member of the opposition, All People’s Congress(APC) Martin Wusha Conteh is currently on the run after he was named in the wanted list of the Sierra Leone People’s Party(SLPP) supporters.
According to our sources, Martin has been accused by some government officials of being a member of People’s Power Movement (PPP) of masterminding and popularising the August 10 event last year which claimed the lives of both civilians and police officers.
Our sources further informed us that on August 5 2023 Martin’s house was raided by state security as they continue on their clampdown
According to eye witnesses report, the plain clothes officers told the little gathering that Martin has been named as one of those that masterminded the incident and therefore needed to help the police with the investigations.
Few days later, Martin’s wife left the house after some SLPP supporters stormed the house with some weapons in their clear and desperate desire to kill Martin.
It could be recalled that on Wednesday August 10 2022 angry and disgruntled citizens took to the streets of Freetown and protested against the way and manner at which the current Sierra Leone People’s Party(SLPP) government are governing them.
Their grievances included, the arbitrary arrest and detention of citizens, killings of innocent people and high cost of living. The peaceful protest however ended into bloodshed with several people killed in cold blooded by government forces.
What made people to now live in perpectual fear is the fact that government has continued chasing opposition members and people they perceived to be against their tyrannical regime. The President, in a national broadcast referred to the protesters as terrorists, insurrects etc sent to distabilise the country and therefore all who behind that protest must be pursued, arrested and imprisoned.
This statement further panicked the entire country.
Family members and friends who spoke to this medium recently have admonished Martin to stay where he is or risk his life should he choose to return home.
Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Police Spokesman says he does not know whether missing journalist is dead or alive
‘We do not know whether missing journalist Martin who disappeared week ago while castigating the government and later flew out when police raided his resident is dead or alive, the country’s Police Spokesperson was quoted on Thursday 10th August 2023.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Brima Kamara, Head of Media, Public Relations, Sierra Leone Police (SLP), stated that Martin’s disappearance is worrisome as President Bio’s government has encouraged journalist to work in conducive environment despite some are still recalcitrant to work in a clandestine way to paint the Bio’s government in bad way. According to him Martin is wanted for cyber bullying.
Speaking to a community head, Ibrahim Musa Sesay he informed this press that Martin’s wife and children are on the run and no trace has been made since the police raided the missing journalist. He described the cracking down of journalist as a worrying signal for the country as this will hinge on press freedom especially the suspension of opposition newspapers and radio stations.
In an interview with this press on Monday, Ibrahim Musa Sesay said Conteh and his family do not deserved this life threat that forced them to flee. “The Tombo and the August 10th incidents were unacceptable and what he Martin said on his show at radio Mount Aureol against the ruling government was correct.
“Where ever he is I pray he runs for his life because the police officer have threatened to kill him and a searched and notice has already been published with handsome rewards for who ever will catch him”.
Popular musician and opposition leader LAJ, prominent opposition leader Mohaned Kamaramba Mansaray, Military and Police Personnel are all in Prison just because of their dissenting views.
