How Opposition supporters are finding it hard to live following the aftermath of the August 10 protest

On the 10th of August 2022, Sierra Leone witnessed one of the deadliest protests in its history when citizens took to the street to protest against hunger, worst condition of living and the state of the economy.

Lives were lost including six police officers that were killed; properties worth billions of Leones were destroyed and the country was grounded to a halt; the internet was shut down followed by curfew.

Waterloo in the Western rural area of Sierra Leone became the hot spot as two government buses were burnt in a police post at Camp junction.

In retaliation, government forces and security agencies began to crack down on youths and opposition party supporters.

This led to many people fleeing for safety including Sheka Steven Sesay whose whereabouts are still unknown.

Sheka was a known youth leader of the main opposition All Peoples Congress in Waterloo. He became a target after the August 10 protest when his house was raided by supporters of the ruling SLPP.

The heavy handedness of the police and military after the protest was condemned by Amnesty International in their 2022 report.

“My husband was attacked in broad daylight by supporters of the ruling party. He was mercilessly beaten and sustained several injuries, and was left to die until we rushed him to the hospital. He has been a peaceful ‘okada rider’ (commercial motorcyclist) throughout and had never taken part in a coup or protest as alleged by the people.

The government was arresting anyone that was linked to having taken part in the protest. That made it difficult for even dangerous for us to report the matter.” said Theresa Labour, the wife of Sheka Sesay.

For Theresa, their family had to run from waterloo since it was clear that they are no longer safe and staying there would possibly cost them their lives just like those who disappeared without a trace.

“He left us in the night when he had recovered. Since then, we have not been able to find him. We hope that one day, we shall see him or hear from him,” she said.

While the government continues to look out for suspected protesters, ruling party supporters are bent on revenge on supporters of the opposition parties.