The political tensions in Sierra Leone have reached a boiling point, with accusations flying left and right from both authorities and supporters of the SLPP Government. This growing development of accusations has spread like wildfire in government institutions, targeting many government workers who have connections to the western and northern regions – regions that are considered strongholds of the opposition party, the APC.
One disturbing incident that highlights the severity of the situation is the vandalism of the house of a government staff member who has been falsely accused of working as an informant for the opposition party, APC. Supporters of the ruling party took matters into their own hands and physically attacked the government staff, claiming that she was leaking sensitive information to the opposition party. However, upon further investigation by the media, it was revealed that the accusations were unfounded and stemmed from political intimidation and marginalisation in government institutions.
The government staff, N’mah Nima Sesay, who is not a political member of the APC, has faced relentless persecution due to her regional ties and past affiliations with the opposition party, APC. The attacks against her have escalated to the point where she was physically assaulted and her house vandalised, resulting in the tragic loss of her property. This brutal incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of allowing political tensions to escalate unchecked and the importance of addressing underlying issues of discrimination and intimidation in government institutions.
N’mah Nima Sesay, a registered member of the SLPP party, found herself caught in a political crossfire when she was physically attacked in her residence by political hoodlums believed to be sent by their political paymasters. The attack was so severe that Sesay lost her pregnancy, leading to devastating consequences for her and her family.
Despite being a member of the SLPP party, Sesay was alleged to be an informant to the APC party, further complicating her situation. This led to a barrage of political accusations and assaults from both the SLPP and APC, leaving Sesay feeling isolated and vulnerable. As our investigation into the incident continued, we contacted Sesay to hear her side of the story. She explained in great detail the persistent threats, accusations, and attacks she has been facing from authorities and supporters of the government following the August 10 demonstrations. These demonstrations were held by youth to demand economic, social, and human rights justice, as well as other measures for political and social rights.
Despite not being involved in the demonstrations in any way, Sesay has been targeted and marginalized by those in power. Her emotional account of the situation, filled with tears and despair, shines a light on the injustices she has faced. It is a reminder of the harsh reality of being caught in the middle of political turmoil, where innocent people can become collateral damage in the pursuit of power.
N’mah Nima Sesay, who was assaulted by individuals believed to have been sent by their political superiors, tragically suffered a miscarriage as a result of the very attack at her house on 30th October 2023. Although she has been accused of being an informant for the APC, she is in fact a registered member of the SLPP party. Despite her party affiliation, she has faced unwarranted political allegations and physical assaults from both the SLPP and APC. Our ongoing investigation has included speaking with the victim to allow her to provide her perspective on why and how her home was vandalized. It was with tears when our investigative team had an interview with Sesay, the team was able to sense in her account the persistent threats, accusations, and attacks she has endured from government authorities and supporters since the August 10 demonstrations, during which protesters gathered to demand economic, social, and human rights reform, among other political and social issues. It is important to note that she did not participate in the demonstrations in any capacity. She tearfully recounted the ongoing marginalization she has experienced.
