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Tensions in Tonkolili District have erupted into violence and allegations of intimidation as the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) grapples with internal strife during its lower-level elections. Outgoing Tonkolili District Chairman Ahmed Saybom Kanu faces explosive accusations of rebellious acts, including orchestrating arson and issuing threats against political contenders and party members.
The turmoil unfolded in Mile 91, where clashes between supporters of Kanu and his rival, Mohamed Orman Bangura, turned chaotic. A viral video depicts a house, reportedly belonging to former Yoni Mamaila Regent Chief Yusif Barrie (alias Atatie), engulfed in flames. A voice in the footage explicitly accuses Kanu of deploying supporters to burn the property, though the video’s authenticity remains unverified. Residents claim the incident has left the community in fear, with properties worth millions reduced to rubble.
Beyond the arson, Kanu is also accused of openly threatening rivals and dissenting party members to suppress opposition. Sources allege he used aggressive tactics to intimidate supporters of Bangura, further inflaming tensions ahead of the elections. These accusations, if proven, paint a troubling picture of internal party coercion and lawlessness.
The SLPP Secretariat in Tonkolili has postponed elections indefinitely, citing the need for investigations. District Secretary General Robert Salia Kamara confirmed the violence and arson but avoided naming suspects or victims. Meanwhile, Mile 91 police have yet to comment, and SLPP officials remain unreachable, deepening public frustration.
Local residents have condemned the violence, urging Sierra Leone Police to intervene and guarantee safety. “This isn’t democracy—it’s terror,” one resident lamented, reflecting broader concerns over the SLPP’s ability to manage internal disputes.
The allegations against Kanu, a sitting chairman, threaten to tarnish the SLPP’s credibility and expose fractures within its ranks.
