By: Samuel Hopson Bangura
A major disturbance erupted in the Imatt community, Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown on Thursday, 20th July 2023, following reports that a young man, Mohamed Koroma, was allegedly caught engaging in a same-sex act an act considered a criminal offense under Sierra Leonean law and widely condemned within the society.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred earlier in the day inside a rented house reportedly occupied by one of the two men. Residents claim to have discovered the pair in a compromising position, prompting an immediate outcry and drawing a large crowd. Before any immediate action could be taken by the community, Mohamed Koroma reportedly fled the scene, leaving behind his alleged partner.
Local youths briefly detained the second individual before handing him over to the police. The incident was subsequently reported to the Acon Police Station, the division responsible for policing the Imatt area.
Despite police involvement, tensions have continued to rise within the community. Several residents, particularly youths, have expressed outrage and are calling for what they termed “mob justice” against Mr. Koroma.
“We cannot sit by and watch such acts flourish in our community,” said Ibrahim Kamara, a youth leader in Imatt. “What happened is an abomination. If the police fail to act swiftly, we will be forced to take matters into our own hands.”
Same-sex sexual conduct is criminalized under Section 61 of Sierra Leone’s Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, which classifies such acts as “unnatural offences” and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Although legal enforcement of the statute is rare, societal attitudes toward homosexuality remain overwhelmingly negative.
A senior officer at Acon Police Station, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and urged the public to remain calm. “We understand the sensitivities involved,” he said. “But we urge the public not to take the law into their own hands. We are treating this matter seriously and will proceed according to legal procedures.”
As of press time, the whereabouts of Mohamed Koroma remain unknown. Unverified reports suggest that he may have fled the area or gone into hiding due to fear of retaliation.
This incident has further highlighted the ongoing challenges surrounding LGBTQ+ issues in Sierra Leone, where legal restrictions, cultural beliefs, and religious sentiments continue to shape public discourse. Human rights advocates have called for restraint and reminded authorities of their responsibility to ensure the safety and rights of all citizens, regardless of the allegations they face.
Security forces are closely monitoring the Imatt area to prevent any further unrest as the search for Mr. Koroma continues.