On Wednesday June 19th, the streets of Freetown’s central business district and surrounding areas empty, with most shops were noticeably empty, and businesses closed and government offices including courts remained ineffective with cases being adjourned as a result of nanappearance of witnesses.

The unusual scene resulted from social media threats by some Sierra Leoneans living abroad, who called for a protest on June 10 to express their discontent with the June 24, 2023 elections, alleging the results were fraudulent. The proposed protest was intended to coincide with the final outcome of the tripartite committee’s recommendations.

In anticipation of the protest, despite Government assurance of peace streets in Freetown remained largely deserted, with most public transport services suspended. Security official took control of key areas, particularly in the east and of Freetown, to prevent any potential unrest.

The planned protest emerged from accusations of electoral fraud in the June 24, 2023 elections. Dissatisfied with the results, some Sierra Leonean abroad used social media to organize and promote a protest to coincide with the tripartite committee’s report. The tripartite committee, composed of representatives from the government, opposition parties, and international observers, was tasked with reviewing the election process and addressing future irregularities which was misunderstood by mostly opposition supporters who were made to believe that the committee could overturn the outcome of the June 24, 2023 elections.

The anxiety surrounding the June 19 threats was more than likely heightened by memories of the violent protest on August 10, 2022 and the heavy security presence days before the June 19th planed protest.

During those protests, sparked by economic hardship and political dissatisfaction, Freetown and other cities experienced significant unrest.

The protests resulted in the deaths of about six police officers and over thirty civilians, some of whom were killed in cold blood. The August 10 protests left a lasting impact on the nation’s psyche, fostering a climate of fear and uncertainty regarding public demonstrations.

The government and civil society must address the underlying issues that fuel such tensions to prevent future unrest. This includes ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process, addressing economic grievances, and fostering open dialogue between the government and the populace.

Security measures alone are not enough to maintain pesce, Building trust in democratic institutions is crucial. The tripartite committee’s work is a step in the right direction, but its recommendations must be implemented transparently and effectively. Again, there is a need for responsible use of social media.

While it can be a powerful tool for mobilization and advocacy, it also has the potential to spread misinformation and incite unrest. Promoting digital literacy and responsible online behavior can help mitigate these risks.

The empty streets of Freetown on June 19 serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of addressing the root causes of dissent. By fostering transparency, dialogue, and trust.
Sierra Leone can move towards a more or stable and democratic future.