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Francis Nicholas Swarray, a prominent Civil Society Activist and Journalist in Kenema, has submitted a formal request to the Commissioner of Police East, seeking permission for a planned procession and demonstration scheduled for January 16, 2024.
Swarray, who serves as the Director for the Tenant and Landlord Welfare Organization Sierra Leone, headquartered in Kenema, expressed concerns over the harmful disruptions caused by livestock, including sheep, goats, cows, and dogs, within the city.
In a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police East, Swarray highlighted the growing challenges posed by the indiscriminate raising of animals within the city limits. Over the past decade, attempts by the residents of Kenema to address the issue with both animal owners and authorities have yielded no positive results.
The disturbances caused by these animals, including the consumption of plants, accidents, property damage, and environmental issues, have become intolerable. Swarray asserted that the presence of these animals in close proximity to humans raises health concerns, as noted by medical practitioners. The situation not only results in public and private nuisances but also undermines the 1965 Public Order Act.
According to records and data provided by Swarray, there have been annual casualties and significant economic losses, estimating between SLE 60,000 to 70,000, incurred by farmers in Kenema city alone. The Civil Society Activist emphasized the emotional and psychological toll on residents, particularly children and women, who often face fear when navigating the streets due to the presence of these animals.
In light of these challenges, Swarray and the affected individuals are seeking permission from the Commissioner of Police East to stage a peaceful and formal demonstration. The proposed route includes a procession from Dorwila-reservation junction to Maada Bio Street, passing through key locations such as the council, the Commissioner of Police East, the District Council Chairman, the Director of Agriculture East, and the Environmental Officer in the Ministry of Health. The demonstration will culminate with a visit to the Resident Minister East before participants return to their respective homes.
Swarray has also extended an invitation to the Commissioner of Police East, requesting their presence during the demonstration to ensure security and maintain a peaceful environment throughout the procession. Discussions with the police are reportedly ongoing to finalize plans for the peaceful demonstration in Kenema.
This is going to be our routs: we will converge at Dorwila- reservation junction, from there we will use Maada bio street to council, from council to the commissioner of police east, next to District council chair, after we will visit both the environmental officer and agriculture director and finally to the resident minister east before we can retire to our various houses.
Oh Sierra Leone.
There is one raising at Kandeh Street by Cemetery Lane. It has been there for several years, and the authorities can not stop it. This is a very good move
Good idea enough is enough I remember Last year a pastor was jail for killing a cow, after the pastor made several report that these cow are distorying his plantation no action was taken but emidately the pastor kill the cow that was the time we saw top politicians who were the owner of these cow report the matter to Curt and the pastor was jail it was so onfear
The police will approve this request because it’s from the Eastern region. This is my country!