A Sierra Leonean woman living in Gambia is appealing to the public for help in locating her mother who disappeared 16 years ago.

Fatu Sahr Songa, born to a Sierra Leonean woman, shared her story on social media, explaining that her mother, Musu Songa from Kenema, left Gambia to return to Sierra Leone with her younger sister. Since then, Fatu has not heard from her mother.

Fatu’s father, Hassan Songa, had traveled to Sierra Leone years earlier, met Musu, and married her. The couple had three daughters before fleeing to Gambia during the Sierra Leone Civil War.

“My mother left me when I was 10 years old, and I am now 26,” Fatu wrote in her post. “I am pleading for help to find her. If anyone knows her whereabouts, please contact me at +2205226261 or +2205163054.”

Fatu’s search has garnered attention on social media, with many people expressing their support and sharing her post.