By Our Northern Reporter’s.
Abdul Rahim Samura a young Man from Kamakwie Northern District of Sierra Leone fled his home on November, 2024 after facing increasing pressure from his family to join the Poro Society against his will.
According to Abdul Rahim Samura, his family deeply rooted in traditional values and long standing members of the Poro Society, had repeatedly been attempted to force him into initiation, insisting that every male child must participate as a Rite of Passage. Despite their persistent demands, Abdul Rahim Samura says he has never shared the same beliefs and doesn’t wish to be part of the secret society.
Abdul Rahim Samura indicated to this medium that his life have been threatened several times by “my own relatives”. “They believe I am bringing shame to the family by refusing to join, but I have made my choice. I don’t believe in the Poro Society and I never will”, Abdul explained from an undisclosed hiding place.
Abdul Rahim Samura recounted the terrifying night of November 16 , when he was chased from his home by a group of individuals believed to be sent by his family. They came to the house with the intention of taking me by force. I had no option but to flee into the bush he lamented. I have been in hiding ever since.
The Poro Society and the Gbangebanie society is a male traditional institution found in parts of West Africa, including Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. Its strong hold is huge in the cultural political, and spiritual authority particularly among Temne, Limba, mende and other Mande speaking communities. Initiation into the society is traditionally seen as a Rite of passage for boys transitioning into manhood and members often gain influence in local leadership, justice system and communal decision making. While the society continues to hold cultural significance in many communities, human rights advocates and civil society groups have raised concerns over cases of coercion, force initiation and lack of consent, particularly in recent years such practices, they argue, violates individual rights to freedom of belief, bodily autonomy and freedom of associations as enshrined in both national law’s and international human rights treaties.
Abdul Rahim Samura’s case brings out the tension between traditional practices and modern legal and human rights frame works in Sierra Leone. It raises urgent questions about the protection of individuals especially young people, who choose not to conform to deeply entrenched customs and traditions.
Frantic efforts by Human rights groups to curb force initiation practices have gained some traction, but enforcement remains weak in rural areas where traditional authorities wield considerable influence. Local laws enforcement has yet to intervene in Abdul Rahim Samura’s case and it is unclear whether any investigation has been launched.
Abdul Rahim Samura went further to say that ” I want to live freely and safely without being hunted for what I believe in; All I ask is, to be left alone to make my own decisions Abdul paused in conclusion.
Eyewitness accounts confirmed that the Poro Society has activated its networks across several districts in search of him . Family members say the society has vowed never to relent until Abdul Rahim Samura is found, raising fears that any attempt to capture him could result in his death….Ok
