Freetown, Sierra Leone —4th May 2015
Prominent peace and human rights advocate Mohamed Mumine Barrie was brutally assaulted outside his home in Freetown this week, in what many believe to be a targeted attempt to silence his vocal opposition to secret societies and harmful traditional practices.
According to eyewitnesses, more than ten men, some dressed in police patrol uniforms, confronted Barrie near his residence. Claiming to enforce an Ebola curfew, they accused him of defying traditional authorities and criticizing secret societies. They then threatened and viciously beat him with sticks, gun butts, and other weapons until he lost consciousness.
This latest incident follows a series of violent attacks against Barrie over the years, all seemingly linked to his human rights activism. Earlier this year, Barrie was ambushed in Freetown by approximately twelve individuals, including female members of the Bondo society, a group known for practicing female genital mutilation (FGM). He was again beaten unconscious and left for hours without medical attention.
Barrie’s persecution has persisted for years due to his outspoken advocacy for peace and justice. In January 2015, he was reportedly ambushed near his home by armed men, some wearing police uniforms. Identifying him as a critic of secret societies, they left him severely injured, forcing him to be admitted at the Rokupa Government Hospital for medical treatment.
The pattern of violence dates back even further. In 2012, Barrie was allegedly assaulted and arrested during a violent raid at the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) headquarters in Freetown. The attack occurred during a closed-door SLPP meeting with civil society groups. Witnesses reported that men in police uniforms, along with supporters of the ruling All People’s Congress (APC), stormed the building, vandalized property, and violently assaulted attendees.
“It was terrifying,” said one SLPP official, speaking anonymously. “They barged in, shouting and attacking people. Women were dragged away and some were sexually assaulted. It was clearly politically motivated.”
Barrie was injured and detained for two days at the Central Police Station before being released following public outcry.
“When peaceful advocates like Barrie are attacked and jailed, it threatens the very foundation of our democracy,” said one civil society member, Fatmata Tarawallie.
Despite these repeated assaults and escalating threats, Barrie has remained steadfast in his mission to promote human rights and challenge practices such as FGM and the forced initiation of youth into societies like Poro and Orjeh. His activism has drawn the ire of powerful traditional and political factions, as well as security operatives.
The most recent attack has sparked outrage among civil society organizations and human rights groups, including the Forum Against Harmful Practices, National Youth Coalition, Forum for Human Rights, Amnesty International Sierra Leone, Human Rights Defenders Network, Center for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), and the Campaign for Good Governance, who all see it as part of a systematic effort to silence dissent.
“Barrie’s life is in serious danger because he stands up for human dignity and justice,” said one activist. “The frequency and brutality of these attacks show a deliberate and dangerous campaign.”
Barrie’s current whereabouts remain undisclosed for his safety. Nevertheless, those close to him confirm his unwavering commitment to his work.
“I refuse to be silenced,” Barrie declared. “Peace, truth, and human dignity must prevail in this nation.”
Barrie’s story is a stark reminder of the grave dangers faced by human rights defenders in Sierra Leone. His continued courage highlights the urgent need for stronger protections and accountability to safeguard activists from violence and persecution.
