By Mo Hamad Kargbo
Fuad Hassan Mansaray, a well-known Sierra Leonean actor, cassette seller, and outspoken advocate for good governance, is reported to have fled the country after facing repeated threats, brutal assaults, and arbitrary arrests allegedly linked to his activism against the current administration of President Julius Maada Bio.
Once celebrated for his comedic performances alongside the legendary Sara the Great, Fuad was also a familiar face in the local business community, operating a small cassette kiosk at Magazine Cut in Freetown. But in recent years, his focus shifted toward political activism, with the aim of highlighting growing economic hardship, injustice, and authoritarian tendencies under the Bio-led regime.
In an interview with a trader at Magazine Cut, this medium was informed that Fuad had ceased his cassette business after becoming increasingly disillusioned with the state of the country. “He told us the people are no longer happy since Maada Bio came to power in 2018, and neither is he,” the trader recalled. “That is when he decided to become a social media activist to campaign for better living conditions.” According to a family member, Fuad’s activism under the alias Fuad Jesus, quickly made him a target. Known for his bold criticisms of the government, he used social media to denounce corruption, poor governance, and police brutality.
His ordeal allegedly began on August 10, 2022 the day of widespread anti-government protests in Freetown and other parts of the country. That evening, a neighbour recounted, armed joint security forces, accompanied by a group known locally as the “Soja Team” (a feared pro-government militia), stormed Fuad’s residence at 346 Bai Bureh Road, Calaba Town, and arrested him. “They beat him with the butts of their guns before throwing him into their truck like an animal,” the neighbour said. “One of them shouted that if the security did not kill Fuad, they would.”
Following his arrest, sources say Fuad was taken to the notorious Benghazi detention facility, a location long criticized by Amnesty International for inhumane treatment of detainees. An anonymous source familiar with the incident alleged that Fuad was tortured and beaten mercilessly for five consecutive days. His release, according to the source, came only through the intervention of concerned human rights activists and what they described as divine grace.
Fuad was taken in secrecy to a traditional healer, where he spent three months recovering from the physical and psychological trauma. Upon regaining his strength, he moved from his original residence in Calaba Town to 21 Morgan Lane, Hill Side By Pass in Freetown, in an effort to stay under the radar.
Despite the danger, Fuad resumed his activism, using social media to speak out against worsening economic conditions and what he called the oppressive tactics of the Bio administration. His defiance, however, led to another arrest on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. During this second detention, he was again reportedly subjected to degrading treatment. He was only released 10 days later, following sustained pressure from opposition parties and civil society organizations.
Shortly after his release, threats against Fuad escalated. The same group of government-aligned thugs allegedly began hunting him again, vowing to silence him permanently similar to the fate of Evangelist Samson, another outspoken critic who died under suspicious circumstances. Fearing for his life, a trusted confidant reportedly advised Fuad to flee the country. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown.
Human rights groups have condemned the repeated persecution of activists like Fuad Hassan Mansaray, warning that Sierra Leone’s democratic space is shrinking under the current administration. The government of President Julius Maada Bio has consistently denied allegations of targeting critics and suppressing dissent. However, numerous reports continue to emerge, detailing patterns of intimidation, arrest, and violence against those who dare to speak out. As of now, there is growing concern for Fuad’s safety and wellbeing, with calls mounting for local human rights bodies to investigate the circumstances surrounding his persecution and ensure his protection wherever he may be.
