Family worried over son’s Disappearance

By Mary Sesay

The reported disappearance of Amara Sawaneh, who is described by local sources as having served as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of an APC affiliated organization at Wharf Road in eastern Freetown, has raised fresh questions about the fate of individuals allegedly linked to a post protest security operation.
According to multiple accounts, Mr. Sawaneh has not been seen publicly since security forces reportedly carried out arrests following a protest in the area. Residents and individuals familiar with the events claim that, in the aftermath of the unrest, an elderly community member allegedly assisted authorities by identifying individuals believed to have participated in the disturbances.

Witnesses alleged that several people identified during the exercise were subsequently arrested. However, family members and community residents say they have received little or no official information regarding the status or whereabouts of some of those individuals.
Sources close to the Sawaneh family alleged that security personnel later searched his residence. According to these accounts, Mr. Sawaneh escaped through a window before officers entered the house. His current whereabouts remain unknown, and repeated efforts by relatives to establish contact with him have reportedly been unsuccessful.
The family has also made serious allegations concerning events that they say occurred after the search. Among the claims is an allegation that Mr. Sawaneh’s wife was subjected to sexual violence.
Relatives interviewed expressed concern for their safety, saying they continue to live under what they describe as constant fear and pressure. They say the uncertainty surrounding Mr. Sawaneh’s disappearance has had a profound emotional and psychological impact on the family.
Human rights advocates have consistently emphasized that allegations of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, or abuse during security operations warrant prompt, impartial, and transparent investigations. They argue that families have the right to know the whereabouts of missing relatives and that allegations of serious human rights violations should be independently examined.
The investigation remains ongoing, and this publication will continue to seek official responses and any additional evidence that may clarify the circumstances surrounding Mr. Sawaneh’s reported disappearance.