By: Suliaman Kamara- Northern Correspondent
On July 2nd, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Mile 88 village, located in the Yonibana Chiefdom, Tonkolili District in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. Alhaji Sununu Conteh and his father, Pa Conteh, became victims of brutal violence after being confronted by six strong and heavily built men from the village. These men, allegedly acting on orders from the local chief and members of the Poro Society, attempted to prevent the father and son from working on their own legitimate farmland.
The men claimed that the land was being requisitioned for the establishment of a “society bush” a secretive shrine area associated with the initiation of young men into the traditional Poro Society, often without their free and informed consent.
Despite the escalating confrontation, Sununu and his father remained unarmed and stood their ground, asserting that the land in question was the only means of survival for their family. Pa Conteh pleaded with the intruders, emphasizing that the farmland had been in their family for generations.
In a shocking turn of events, both father and son were violently attacked and severely beaten. Tragically, Pa Conteh succumbed to his injuries and was beaten to death in front of his son, while Alhaji Sununu, exhausted and overwhelmed, was left injured but alive.
Later that night, Sununu, desperate and grief-stricken, managed to escape to their home and fled the village, aware that his life was in imminent danger. He embarked on a perilous journey towards neighboring Guinea, without food or shelter, deeply traumatized by the murder of his father.
Upon learning of his escape, members of the Poro Society, fearing that Sununu might expose their actions and secrets, organized a manhunt to locate and silence him. He was labeled a threat to their society and a “wanted man” both within the village and across local districts.
Alhaji Sununu Conteh and his father were never members or initiates of the Poro Society. Their refusal to hand over their land and be subjected to forced initiation was considered defiance against the secretive group’s authority. The society’s members perceived Sununu as a risk, believing he could reveal their clandestine and, in some cases, violent practices to national and international bodies.
Despite the gravity of the incident, no action was taken by local authorities, even though many were aware of the confrontation and the fatal assault. Instead of protecting Sununu or initiating an investigation, community leaders ignored his pleas, further enabling the perpetrators and reinforcing a culture of impunity.
Faced with persistent threats to his life, Sununu had no choice but to seek asylum in Guinea. His mental and emotional health deteriorated as he struggled with grief, trauma, and hunger while on the run. His attempt to seek a safe environment in Guinea was a direct consequence of state and communal failures to uphold basic human rights and ensure his safety.
This incident raises grave human rights violations, including:The unlawful killing of Pa Conteh, torture and physical assault of Alhaji Sununu Conteh., forced displacement of a citizen from his home and country, unlawful seizure of property (farmland) without due process, threats of extrajudicial execution by a non-state armed group (Poro Society) and failure of local authorities to intervene, protect the victims, or prosecute the perpetrators.
Moreover, the coercion of young men into secret societies, such as the Poro Society, without their free, prior, and informed consent, is a violation of international human rights standards, including:The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
This case warrants urgent attention from the Government of Sierra Leone, national and international human rights organizations, and law enforcement bodies. Alhaji Sununu Conteh deserves justice, protection, and an opportunity to reclaim his dignity, safety, and property. The death of Pa Conteh must not be ignored, and the perpetrators should be brought to justice to deter further atrocities.
