A groundbreaking BBC News Africa TV documentary has shed light on the dark underbelly of Sierra Leone’s political landscape, revealing shocking instances of violence, intimidation, and harassment leading up to the presidential and general elections held in June 2023.
The pre-election period witnessed a dangerous escalation of tensions, with the government’s security forces engaging in violent attacks on opposition politicians and their supporters. Inside the head office of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party in Freetown, one person lost their life, and several others were injured, painting a grim picture of the potential for a free and fair election.
Video evidence presented in the documentary implicates senior opposition SLPP politicians, including Mrs. Fatima Bio, the wife of the president, in fueling political violence and intimidation. These revelations have triggered calls for an investigation by the International Criminal Court.
The documentary, released today, unveils the extent of political violence, intimidation, and harassment orchestrated by both security forces and ruling party agents in the lead-up to the elections. The footage captures the harrowing moment when Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, and the opposition APC party’s presidential candidate and leader, Dr. Samura Kamara, were dangerously close to being assassinated during a security forces’ attack on the APC party office.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr, featured prominently in the documentary, expressed gratitude for the recognition and stated, “I am honoured to have my work featured in a BBC documentary.” The film, initially intended to focus on Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s efforts related to the climate crisis, took an unexpected turn as it documented the unfolding political turmoil during the election season.
The documentary raises questions about the role of security forces and political agents in over a hundred deaths, including unarmed protesters and opposition supporters, in the two years leading to the 2023 elections. Allegations suggesting involvement of ruling party agents in some of these killings add another layer of complexity to the situation.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized her commitment to working with the central government and development partners as she assumes office following the Agreement for National Unity signed in October 2023. The documentary, produced by the BBC with full editorial control, signals a critical exposé on the challenges Sierra Leone faced in maintaining a stable political environment during a crucial electoral period.
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