By Yusufu S. Bangura
Members from the Fullah Community
The Fullah community in Sierra Leone has called on President Julius Maada Bio’s government to launch an urgent investigation into the alleged unlawful arrest and detention of its members by security forces.
The appeal was made during a press conference held on December 19, 2024, at the New Brookfields Hotel, Jomo Kenyatta Road, Freetown.
Reading a statement on behalf of the community, Alhaji Abdulia Barrie, Chairman of the event, condemned the reported events of Sunday, December 15, 2024, alleging that members of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) unlawfully arrested, harassed, and humiliated Fullah community members returning from various events within Freetown.
“We urge the Government to expedite its investigation into these unfortunate events and ensure that those responsible for these acts or for failing to prevent them are held accountable according to the law,” Barrie stated.
Barrie acknowledged the government’s swift public condemnation of the incident and its reaffirmation of its commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and security of all Sierra Leoneans. However, he stressed the community’s desire for a direct meeting with President Bio to strengthen trust and restore the confidence of Fullah community members.
“A swift and impartial investigation is crucial to rebuilding trust and preventing any recurrence of ethnic profiling or targeted actions against any group of Sierra Leoneans,” Barrie emphasized.
He urged all Sierra Leoneans to work together toward fostering peace, unity, and inclusivity, asserting that no group should face discrimination based on ethnicity, region, or origin.
Leadership of Sierra Leonean Fullahs
According to Barrie, over 160 Fullahs were arrested during the incident, with no clear explanation provided. Although they were released the same day, the community remains concerned about the motives behind the arrests.
“The Inspector General of Police and other government officials have been summoned by parliament to provide updates on the incident. We will inform the public of our next steps if our demands for a thorough investigation and accountability are not met,” Barrie warned.
He concluded by reminding the government of the Fullah community’s significant contributions to the country’s development, stating, “We are Sierra Leoneans, and we do not want such incidents to happen again.”
The press conference was attended by representatives of the Fullah Tribal Administration, Fullah Progressive Union (FPU), Tabital Pulaaku International Sierra Leone Chapter, as well as tribal leaders from the Limba, Kono, Kuranko, and Temne communities.
