Makeni Protest Leader Declared Wanted After Prison Escape

Authorities have declared a young woman wanted after she reportedly escaped from prison following her arrest for allegedly leading a violent protest in Makeni in July 2020.

The woman, identified as Anita Smart Kamara, was among several individuals accused of organizing a protest on 18^th July 2022 after the Government of Sierra Leone decided to relocate a power generator that had been supplying electricity to Makeni to Lungi.

The decision reportedly angered many residents of the northern city, prompting hundreds of youths to take to the streets in protest. The demonstration later turned violent as clashes erupted between protesters and security forces.

During the unrest, several youths were reportedly killed and others injured, heightening tensions across the city and prompting a strong response from law enforcement authorities.

Two days after the protest, on 21 July 2020, officers of the Sierra Leone Police conducted a large-scale security operation in Makeni aimed at arresting individuals believed to have played key roles in organizing the demonstration.

According to police sources, Anita Smart Kamara was identified as one of the alleged ring leaders and was subsequently arrested during the operation and sent to prison.

However, reports indicate that Kamara and several other detainees later escaped from prison under unclear circumstances. Following the escape, the Sierra Leone Police reportedly declared the fugitives wanted and launched efforts to locate and re-arrest them.

Security officials have urged members of the public with information about the whereabouts of the escapees to report to the nearest police station.

The July 2020 Makeni protest remains one of the most controversial incidents in recent years, highlighting tensions between residents and authorities over electricity supply and public services in the region.