Mohamed Orman Bangura
Mohamed Orman Bangura, the Bio-led administration’s Minister of Youth Affairs, has been accused of being the primary instigator of violence in the ongoing lower-level elections for the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). Reports from various regions, particularly his hometown of Magburka in the Tonkolili District, paint a troubling picture of his actions during the election.
Witnesses have reported that Bangura has been seen moving through the area with a large group of party supporters, also known as “thugs.”These individuals were allegedly armed with a variety of offensive weapons, including cutlasses and piercing objects, resulting in an atmosphere of intimidation and fear. In one particularly disturbing incident, Bangura was reportedly seen carrying a firearm, raising serious concerns about public safety and electoral integrity.
Bangura’s movements have also been closely monitored due to the presence of armed officers from the Operational Support Division (OSD), who have been spotted accompanying him in several vehicles. This armed presence has contributed to a climate of panic and unrest in the areas he has visited, with residents expressing concerns about the possibility of all-around violence. In response to these serious allegations, the SLPP has established Regional Elections Complaints Committees (RECC) in all five regions of Sierra Leone. These committees are in charge of investigating various complaints about how the party’s executive elections were conducted. The findings of these investigations are expected to be reported to the National Secretariat to restore order and ensure a fair electoral process.
As the situation develops, many people are calling for accountability and transparency in the electoral process, emphasising the importance of a peaceful and democratic environment in which all party members can participate without fear of violence or intimidation. The coming days will be critical as the SLPP attempts to address these allegations while maintaining the integrity of its electoral process.
