By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Mr. President, here is another issue for which you have decided to remain silent. It is disheartening that your government continues to neglect serious concerns that deeply affect our citizens and our nation’s integrity. This time, I’m compelled to address the troubling situation of Sierra Leoneans being deported from Guinea and the recent actions of our police force, which have raised eyebrows and sparked outrage among our people, particularly the Fula community.
Mr. President, Guinea and Sierra Leone are not just neighbouring countries; they are deeply intertwined by history, culture, and family ties. When Sierra Leone was engulfed in civil war, Guinea bore much of the burden, offering refuge and support as Liberia, too, was ravaged by conflict. These familial ties should remind us that any strain on our relationship with Guinea carries ramifications far beyond diplomacy. Yet, the deportation of Sierra Leoneans from Guinea has become a matter of grave concern, and your silence on this issue is both puzzling and unacceptable.
The rise of Kush, a dangerous drug wreaking havoc on our youth, is at the heart of this problem. With Sierra Leone seemingly incapable of curbing its production and distribution, Kush has found its way into Guinea, creating a market that endangers both countries. While one might understand Guinea’s frustration and their resultant actions, it does not absolve them of their obligation to adhere to diplomatic protocols. Mr. President, deportation, though harsh, is a far kinder fate than what might have befallen our compatriots had they been caught in countries like Indonesia, China, Malaysia, or Singapore, where the penalties for drug-related offenses include death. Sierra Leoneans are on death row in Singapore, Malaysia, China, India, and Indonesia for drug dealing. what has your government done about it?
Let us count our people lucky that they were deported rather than incarcerated in overcrowded prisons, far from their families, in a country where language barriers and legal complexities would have compounded their suffering. However, this does not absolve your administration of its responsibility to protect Sierra Leoneans abroad and to address the root causes of these issues at home. Kush is a national menace that requires decisive action that your government has failed to take.
Closer to home, the actions of the Sierra Leone Police have added another layer of concern. Reports of Fulas being targeted, harassed, and arrested under the guise of immigration enforcement have emerged, painting a troubling picture of prejudice and historical ignorance. Mr. President, I question whether your Inspector General of Police understands the rich history of Sierra Leone and the integral role that Fulas have played in our nation’s development.
Not all Fulas are Guinean. To suggest otherwise is not only an insult to the Fula community but also a gross misrepresentation of our shared history. Sierra Leone is home to a diverse tapestry of ethnic groups, and the Fula people are a vital thread in that fabric. Yet, it appears that the police, emboldened by a lack of accountability, have chosen to single out Fulas for harassment. Why? Why, Mr. President, does your government remain silent as these injustices unfold?
The reports on Sierra Loaded and other platforms highlight a disturbing trend: the police are arresting only Fulas in their so-called crackdown on foreigners. This is not enforcement of immigration law; it is blatant discrimination. And for what purpose? To appease prejudice? To deflect attention from the government’s own failures? Whatever the motive, it is unacceptable.
This is not the first time the Fula community has been targeted. Under the presidency of the late Siaka Stevens, the Fulas bore the brunt of similar prejudice, their rights violated with impunity. It seems history is repeating itself, this time under your watch. Mr. President, will you allow this cycle of discrimination to continue, or will you take a stand for justice and equality?
Your government’s silence is emboldening those who seek to divide us. It is also undermining the ECOWAS protocols that guarantee the free movement of people and the rights of citizens within the region. Are we not part of ECOWAS? Or do those protocols only apply when it is convenient for your administration?
While your police force harasses Fulas in the name of national security, they conveniently ignore the ongoing encroachment by Guinean authorities in Yenga. This is a glaring example of misplaced priorities. If the police are serious about protecting Sierra Leone’s sovereignty, let them focus their efforts on reclaiming Yenga, where foreign encroachment poses a real threat to our territorial integrity.
Mr. President, your government’s lack of action on Yenga is a betrayal of our nation’s interests. How can you remain silent while Guinean authorities continue to infringe upon our land? The people of Sierra Leone deserve answers and action, not deafening silence and inaction.
Mr. President, I am a proud Fula and a proud Sierra Leonean. But your government’s actions, or lack thereof, are testing the patience of our community. The Fulas are not foreigners; we are as Sierra Leonean as anyone else. Our contributions to this nation are undeniable, and we will not sit idly by while our rights are trampled upon.
I call on you to address this issue immediately. Rein in your police force and put an end to their discriminatory practices. Ensure that all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of ethnicity, are treated with respect and dignity. Address the Kush epidemic with the seriousness it demands and protect our people both at home and abroad. And finally, resolve the Yenga issue once and for all, demonstrating that your government is capable of defending our nation’s sovereignty.
Mr. President, leadership requires courage and vision. It requires standing up for what is right, even when it is inconvenient. The time for silence is over. Sierra Leone deserves a leader who will act decisively and justly. The question is: Will you rise to the occasion, or will you allow these injustices to define your legacy? The choice is yours.
