By Lilian Steel
Police in Sierra Leone on Sunday fired teargas at supporters of All People’s Congress (APC) flagbearer aspirant Mohamed Omodu “Jagaban” Kamara during a gathering at the Wellington Industrial Estate, according to local reports and eyewitness accounts.
The incident occurred at the site of the former NATCO Factory, where Jagaban and his supporters had assembled for what was described as a charity event linked to his transport business and the unveiling of a bus depot ahead of the arrival of a new fleet from China. 
Officers from the Operational Support Division (OSD) of the Sierra Leone Police reportedly disrupted the ceremony, firing teargas canisters that caused panic and forced attendees to disperse, witnesses said. 
Supporters condemned the police action as “systemic intimidation” and accused the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government of using state security forces to harass opposition figures. 
Police and government officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The use of teargas in political contexts has drawn criticism from civil society groups in the past, who have called for restraint and respect for democratic rights. 
Jagaban, a prominent APC figure and philanthropist, has been active in national politics, though his formal status as a flagbearer aspirant within the party remains contested by some party officials. 
