The events that transpired on August 10th in Sierra Leone sent shockwaves throughout the country as citizens took to the streets to express their frustration over various issues such as economic hardship, inflation, human rights violations, and constitutional violations. However, what was meant to be a peaceful protest soon turned violent as the government deployed security forces to crack down on the demonstrators, resulting in a tragic loss of life on both sides. The government viewed the protest as a threat to their power and responded with a heavy hand, labelling the protesters as faceless insurgents attempting to overthrow the state. In the chaos that ensued, innocent civilians and state security personnel were caught in the crossfire, leading to a significant death toll. As the government sought to quell the unrest, they began targeting individuals they believed to be involved in organizing the protest or supporting the opposition party, particularly those from the northern and western regions of the country.
The situation escalated further when Musa Sorie Dumbuya a junior brother to the Secretary General of the All People’s Congress Party, a prominent opposition party, became a target of the government’s crackdown. The younger brother of the Secretary-General was implicated, adding to the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that gripped the nation. The indiscriminate arrests and targeting of individuals based on their political affiliations only served to deepen the divide and sow further discord in the already fractured society. As the dust settled on the events of August 10th, the scars of the violent crackdown and the subsequent wave of arrests served as a stark reminder of the fragile state of democracy and civil liberties in Sierra Leone. The government’s heavy-handed response to the protest only served to exacerbate the grievances of the people and fuel tensions within the country. The road to reconciliation and healing would be long and arduous, with the wounds of that day serving as a painful reminder of the price of dissent in a society struggling to find its voice.
on August 10, Musa actively participated in the insurrection that led to violence and property damage. Musa’s family is deeply concerned for his safety and well-being as they await any information on his whereabouts. Another reason amongst they fear that he may have been targeted by state authorities for his affiliation with his junior brother Ibrahim Sorie Dumbuya who is an outspoken advocate and journalist for human rights and democracy. The government’s characterization of the protest as an act of insurrection has sparked controversy and debate among citizens, with many questioning the legitimacy of the charges against Musa and others involved in the demonstration. Some believe that the government is using Musa’s situation as a scapegoat to intimidate and silence opposition voices within the country.
Despite the growing concerns and uncertainties surrounding Musa’s disappearance, the police continue their efforts to locate and arrest him. The tense situation has raised tensions within the community, with fear and suspicion running high among those who knew and respected Musa for his critical stands against the government for economic hardship, inflation and human rights violations.
As the search for Musa continues, his family, friends, and supporters remain hopeful that he will be found safe and unharmed. They urge the authorities to investigate his disappearance with transparency and fairness and to ensure that his rights are upheld throughout the process. In the meantime, the quest for justice and accountability in Sierra Leone remains a pressing concern for all those who cherish democracy and the rule of law.
The August 10, widespread protests in Sierra Leone were due to economic hardship, inflation, alleged human rights violations, and constitutional violations. The government responded with force, leading to the deaths of protesters and security personnel. The government also launched a manhunt for individuals believed to be involved in the protests, particularly targeting members of the opposition All People’s Congress Party (APC) and those from northern and western regions perceived as APC strongholds.
