By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In the early hours of Saturday, January 6th, 2024, Fati, a once industrious and helpful young woman, succumbed to the dangerous effects of Kush, as confirmed by the neighborhood.
Before her involvement with Kush, Fati was known for her industrious nature, willingly undertaking tasks traditionally considered male-oriented to assist her mother and neighbors. A relative attested to her selflessness, stating, “Fati could not sit by and allow you constraint of something she could offer help.”
Despite her later struggles with addiction, Fati was still recognized as a humble and helpful individual. Neighbors recounted her respectful demeanor, addressing people by titles like “Uncle” and promptly responding to requests to halt her activities.
Unfortunately, Kush had taken a toll on Fati’s life. The addiction was so severe that she couldn’t go without it, affecting her physical well-being. Despite her mother’s efforts, which included sending Fati to the Kissy Mental facility for rehabilitation, the young woman relapsed into her old habits upon returning home.
Upon her return, Fati’s appearance had changed significantly, but her mother hoped for a positive transformation. However, Fati’s inability to resist the lure of Kush led to her engaging in theft and being eventually expelled from her mother’s home.
Fati’s health deteriorated rapidly as she could no longer sustain herself through work. She resorted to begging for money to buy medicine, but skepticism from the community hindered the support she desperately needed. People were hesitant to assist, fearing that any money given would be used to purchase Kush rather than necessary medications.
In her final moments, Fati was reportedly vomiting, indicating severe internal damage, likely a consequence of her addiction. Tragically, at 4 am on April 6th, 2024, Fati passed away.
The community mourned the loss of a once-vibrant individual whose life was tragically cut short by the grip of substance abuse. Fati’s mother, despite the challenges, could not hold back her tears as testimonials from neighbors and relatives highlighted the devastating impact of Kush on Sierra Leone’s youth.
The narrative underscores the urgent need for remedial measures to address substance abuse in the country, emphasizing that without swift action, the nation risks losing its talented and promising youths to the clutches of addiction.