Reprisal… Youths hunted in Bo
Growing resentment over the spate of reprisals in the Sierra Leone politics is, but a concern to Sierra Leoneans generally. (Photo: Christian J B Williams, one of the missing youths)
In the past, individuals have been sent on forceful exile owing to political threats from particularly opponent political actors.
It is a fact that one of Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) spokesperson, Victor Reider, disappeared from the shores of Sierra Leone barely after the announcement of the 2007 Presidential elections, which practically was to the favour of then opposition All People Congress (APC) party.
Up until now, Victor Reider is yet to return to Sierra Leone and is reportedly in exile in one the countries in Europe.
A recent case in point is that of four youth activists once residing in the Southern District of Bo.
According to reports, Christian J B Williams, Abubakarr Kamara, Joseph T Kamara, and Magnus Kamara are reportedly in hiding owing to threat from opponent political party supporters.
The report states that the forenamed youths have had seizeless political participation during periods of governance of the SLPP and were often referred to as party loyalists. That they succeeded in convincing a good number of their colleagues to join the SLPP which was then in governance.
It was also told that Christian and cohorts have had the support of youths living in Bo town and its surrounding villages.
Facts have it that Christian and others have contributed immeasurably to issues of community development within and around the township of Bo.
According to report, all four later switched loyalty to the ruling APC government and were very instrumental in the formation of a movement named as ‘Di Pa En Yai which headquarter is in Bo town.
It could be recalled that Bo district is the stronghold of opposition SLPP.
The switching of these four activists created displeasure in the minds of sections of SLPP Young Generation members in Bo, who viewed their switching to the APC as a complete betrayal.
To this, came the use of derogatory remarks and threats to the lives of the forenamed activists.
It could be recalled that the elected Presidential flag bearer of the opposition SLPP was on a ‘thank you’ tour in Bo in September 2011, but encountered an attack which later lead to serious disturbance in the township.
Offices owned and belonged to the ruling APC were reportedly burnt down by supporters of opposition SLPP party.
Amongst offices burnt was ‘Di Pa En Yai,’ which according to findings, was established by Christian and others.
Christian and cohorts were chased by an unknown gang, but fled their way to unidentified destinations for the safety of their lives.
It is told however that family homes of the erstwhile youths were also attacked by the unknown gang.
Their whereabouts is still unknown, but threats are constantly thrown at them. It is reported that the runaway youths are continually hunted by their opponents.
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