By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a strong appeal for justice and accountability resonated through the Sierra Leone Parliament on Wednesday 18th December 2024 as Hon. Ibrahim Barrie, representing Bombali District, called for an urgent investigation into allegations of systematic detention targeting members of the Fullah tribe.
His submission has ignited a national conversation on human rights, ethnic harmony, and the role of law enforcement in upholding the Constitution.
Referencing Section 18 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone Act No. 6, which guarantees freedom of movement, Hon. Barrie urged the House to uphold its duty to protect the rights of all citizens. He raised concerns about reports of discriminatory practices and detentions that appear to disproportionately affect the Fullah community, known for its contributions to Sierra Leone’s trade and agricultural sectors.
“The dignity and rights of every citizen, irrespective of ethnicity, must be protected. Discrimination, in any form, undermines the principles upon which our nation was built,” Hon. Barrie asserted during his address.
In response to his submission, House Speaker Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas demonstrated his resolve to address the issue by summoning key government officials to Parliament. The Inspector General of Police, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs have been invited to provide clarity on the reported incidents of detention at 4 p.m. on Thursday, 19 December 2024.
This move, the Speaker noted, is a necessary step toward ensuring transparency and accountability in the actions of law enforcement. “The Parliament is committed to engaging all stakeholders to uncover the facts and address the root causes of these troubling reports,” Hon. Thomas emphasized.
The alleged targeting of the Fullah tribe has raised broader questions about ethnic relations and the enforcement of human rights in Sierra Leone. The Fullah community, an integral part of the nation’s cultural and economic fabric, has been at the center of growing concerns from civil society and human rights advocates.
Hon. Barrie’s call for action aligns with the country’s ongoing efforts to foster national unity and social cohesion among its diverse ethnic groups. His submission underscores the need to address systemic challenges that may lead to discrimination and ethnic tensions.
As the investigation unfolds, Parliament is urging civil society organizations, community leaders, and citizens to contribute to the discourse and propose solutions to safeguard human rights and equality for all ethnic groups in Sierra Leone.
“The treatment of the Fullah community is not just a matter for one group; it is a matter of national importance. Upholding justice for one is upholding justice for all,” Hon. Barrie concluded.
Tomorrow’s Parliamentary session will be pivotal in shedding light on these allegations and shaping the country’s approach to protecting its citizens’ rights. Sierra Leone’s commitment to justice and equality will be tested as the nation looks to its leaders for solutions to these pressing concerns.
This investigation serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in preventing ethnic discrimination and ensuring that Sierra Leone remains a united and inclusive society.
