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Information Minister Chernor Bah has publicly questioned the credibility of former presidential candidate Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray, pointing to his criminal conviction as a sex offender.
During a televised interview, Minister Bah was responding to a question about an European Union letter circulating online when he directly addressed Mansaray’s standing. The Minister stated that Mansaray, who was convicted in 2023 on charges of sexually penetrating a minor, lacks the moral authority to speak on national issues.
“He is a convicted sex offender,” Minister Bah said during the interview. “He is a fugitive from the law who engages in distortions online.”
Mansaray, leader of the Alliance Democratic Party (ADP), ran for president in 2018 and has remained an outspoken critic of the government of President Julius Maada Bio. In February 2023, High Court Judge Samuel Taylor sentenced him to 32 years in prison after he was found guilty on eight counts of sexual offences involving a 15-year-old secondary school student. His co-accused, the victim’s aunt, received a 15-year sentence.
The case drew significant attention in Sierra Leone, coming amid a national state of emergency declared on sexual violence in 2019, which led to tougher amendments to the country’s sexual offences laws. Throughout the trial, supporters of the opposition politician maintained the case against him was politically motivated, though judicial authorities confirmed the conviction was based on evidence presented in court.
Minister Bah’s remarks also referenced Mansaray’s status as a “fugitive from the law” — a description that aligns with reports that Mansaray was released from prison on bail due to health concerns. The Minister further cautioned the public to verify information shared by Mansaray, suggesting his commentary should be viewed with skepticism.
“Anywhere else in the world, when you are a convicted sex offender and a fugitive from the law, your credibility is diminished,” Minister Bah stated.
Mansaray, who remains active on social media platforms, has continued to engage in political commentary. In recent months, he has expressed concerns over drug trafficking linked to Sierra Leone and potential mismanagement of the $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, criticising the government for alleged misuse of foreign aid.
