Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has issued a strong condemnation of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) following the widespread circulation of a disturbing video that appears to show military personnel subjecting civilians to severe physical abuse and degrading treatment.
The footage, which went viral on social media in recent days, reportedly depicts the incident in Senehun town, Kamajei Chiefdom, Moyamba District, around June 25, 2026.
According to accounts from human rights monitors, two men working as casual labourers on a local farm were accused of stealing fertiliser. They were allegedly beaten, chained to a metal frame, intimidated, and coerced into confessing, with uniformed personnel seen striking them with sticks and other objects as they cried out in pain.
In a detailed statement, CHRDI described the alleged actions as a “severe abuse of power” that violates Sierra Leone’s Constitution, strips citizens of their fundamental human dignity, and undermines the professional mandate of the RSLAF.
“These actions directly violate the Constitution of Sierra Leone, strip citizens of their fundamental human dignity, and fundamentally undermine the constitutional mandate of the Armed Forces,” the organisation stated.
CHRDI emphasised that military authority must never serve as justification for cruelty or impunity.
Key Demands from CHRDI
The rights group has called on RSLAF leadership to act decisively to restore public trust:
– Immediate suspension of all implicated personnel pending full investigations.
– Establishment of an independent, transparent inquiry with public findings.
– Criminal prosecution of any officers found responsible.
CHRDI warned that the incident tests Sierra Leone’s broader commitment to human rights and the rule of law, urging the government to demonstrate that no one — including those in uniform — is above the law. “The military uniform is not a licence for cruelty nor a shield for immunity,” the statement added.
Broader Context
This latest controversy comes amid recurring concerns about accountability within Sierra Leone’s security forces. CHRDI has previously highlighted issues such as alleged corruption and gender-based violence within the RSLAF, drawing responses and denials from military authorities in past years.
Sierra Leone, which emerged from a devastating 11-year civil war (1991–2002) marked by widespread atrocities against civilians, has made significant strides in post-conflict reconstruction, democratic governance, and security sector reform. However, incidents like this risk eroding public confidence in institutions meant to protect citizens. Other groups, including the Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDN-SL) and Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement-Global (SLAM-Global), have also raised alarms over the video.
As of now, there has been no detailed public response from the RSLAF or the Ministry of Defence regarding the specific video, though the military has in similar past cases launched internal reviews or court-martial proceedings.
The organisation has urged all peace-loving citizens to reject violence and support accountability regardless of political affiliations. Developments in the case are being closely monitored.
