By Santos Bundu
Family Members of detained August 10th protester Lamin Sesay are calling on the Sierra Leonean public to help search for their brother and son after he disappeared from prison during the 26th November, 2023 attempted failed coup in the country.
According to family sources, Lamin Sesay a personal assistant to an opposition All People’s Congress parliamentarian was arrested on 11th August, 2022 after the deadly protest of 10th August, 2022.
Rugiatu Dainkeh, Lamin’s eldest aunt said She used to visit Lamin in detention at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown before his disappearance.
“Lamin is the son of my only brother, since the demise of his father Lamin was my only source of joy and hope since I have no children myself. After his arrest on 11th August, 2022 in our house in Freetown, I; together with some family relatives went to the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters in Freetown to know the grounds of his arrest and detention; unfortunately we were not informed neither allowed to enter the premises.”
“Few days after we were informed by a prison officer that Lamin was in detention at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown. I paid him regular visits while also exploring legal methods to secure his release. For over a year, we were not informed of any charge brought against him nor sent to court for trial.”
“After the November 26th, 2023 attempted coup in the country in which the Male Correctional Center was breached by armed men leading to the escape of over 2,000 prisoners, I went to see him like I usually do but couldn’t find him anywhere with the premises of the facility. Since then I have not set my eyes on Lamin nor heard from him.” She concluded.
Amidu Sesay a childhood friend of Lamin said he saw Lamin at Mambolo Village, Kambia District in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone after the failed coup.
“Lamin was here at Mambolo Village after the failed coup attempt but disappeared immediately the Sierra Leone Ambassador to Guinea arrived the village to spear head the search of escaped prisoners. Someone informed me Lamin told him he was heading to Guinea as his life was not safe in Sierra Lone. I have not heard from him ever since and hence cannot confirm if he was able to reach Guinea or was captured on his way.” He stated.
Lamin’s story is only one among many young and vibrant Sierra Leonean with affiliations to the main opposition All People’s Congress Party that have received inhumane and degrading treatment from the incumbent government. Since assuming power in 2018, the Sierra Leone People’s Party led government has not failed to chase and silent opposition members, this has led to the death of many, some of which goes on reported because they are done in seclusion.
According to the Inspector General of Police, 515 people were arrested following the protests on 10th August including about 200 for violating the curfew. The exact number of people remaining in detention is still uncertain.
Following investigations on the November 26, 2023 failed attempted coup in Sierra Leone, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) confirmed the dismissal of 48 serving personnel and a furthe five personnel were dismissed by the Sierra Leone Police.
Director of Communications and Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Defence, Colonel Issa Bangura said that 27 of the dismissed soldiers are currently facing 88 count charges in court.
A statement from the Ministry of Communications confirmed that the government will do all in their powers to arrest all escaped prisoners to face trial, a statement many take with a pinch of salt because the government they know will rather kill them in silence than bringing them to court.
