Moyamba, Freetown, Sierra Leone is currently witnessing widespread protests in response to alleged election irregularities during the 2023 general elections and the reported targeting of opposition party members.
Reports have emerged that Sierra Leone’s military has engaged with protesters, employing force to quell the unrest. A witness on the ground stated, “In Moyamba community, protests are ongoing, and in the state capital, Freetown, on Black Hall Road, one individual has been injured by gunfire.”
The protests in Sierra Leone encompass multiple grievances, including rising fuel and food prices, electoral malpractice concerns from the recent elections, and the reported killings of opposition party members. Witnesses have noted that these demonstrations are taking place nationwide, with most incidents reported in Freetown.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, experienced a power outage on Sunday. Turkish company Karpowership, responsible for supplying electricity to the West African nation, reportedly disconnected the power supply due to an outstanding debt of approximately $40 million.
Energy Minister Kanja Sesay revealed that this debt had accrued over time due to the government subsidizing more than half of the ship’s kilowatt-hour costs. The government had to bear this additional cost because it charged consumers in the local Leone currency, which has significantly weakened against the dollar, affecting payments to the power provider.
In response, a government commission has been established to review electricity tariffs for consumers, potentially leading to a significant increase in rates. Karpowership, known for its floating power plants, had previously entered agreements in 2018 and 2020 to provide electricity to Sierra Leone’s state power utility.