By Mohamed KaiKai and Dennis Amara
Youths set fire to a police barracks in eastern Sierra Leone on Monday after the death of a commercial motorcyclist allegedly linked to a police assault, triggering violent clashes and prompting authorities to impose a curfew in Kailahun township.
The unrest erupted after reports that a bike rider died following an altercation with police officers, sparking anger among commercial motorcyclists—locally known as “okada” riders—and other youths in the area. Witnesses said crowds gathered shortly after news of the death spread, before turning on police property and setting parts of the barracks ablaze.
Security forces were deployed to contain the violence, as tensions escalated across the district, with residents reporting damage to property and disruptions to normal activities.
Authorities later announced a curfew in Kailahun in a bid to restore calm and prevent further escalation.
The Civil Society organization Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) condemned the violence, while also calling for an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the motorcyclist’s death. The group urged both the police and youth groups to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law.
Clashes between police and commercial bike riders are not uncommon in Sierra Leone, where disputes often arise over enforcement measures, alleged harassment, and road regulations. In several instances in recent years, such confrontations have escalated into broader unrest, highlighting longstanding tensions between security forces and youth groups reliant on motorcycle transport for livelihoods.
Authorities have yet to release an official account of the incident leading to the rider’s death, but local leaders and civil society groups are calling for transparency to prevent further violence.
Residents remained indoors as the curfew took effect, with security forces maintaining a visible presence across key areas of the township.
