In a recent statement, the National Publicity Secretary of Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, All People’s Congress (APC), Sidi Yaya Tunis, firmly denied any involvement in the ongoing demonstrations in Sierra Leone.
Tunis emphasized that the APC was not connected to the protest planners in any way.
“We did not call for a demonstration. We do not know the planners, which has nothing to do with us,”. Tunis stated.
Tensions have been escalating in Sierra Leone over the past week due to concerns about the rising cost of living, surging fuel prices, and discontent surrounding the June 24 presidential elections.
The call for the strike gained momentum primarily through social media platforms, with WhatsApp serving as a primary medium for spreading the message. Investigations have traced these messages back to Adebayo, a Sierra Leonean based in Holland and the leader of the People’s Power in Politics (PPP) group.
One significant factor contributing to the scale of the strike is a simultaneous protest by commercial drivers who have halted their operations in protest of soaring fuel prices across the country. The consistent increase in petroleum product prices in recent months has dealt a severe blow to the livelihoods of these drivers, leaving them with no choice but to cease work.
The combined impact of these strikes has left numerous residents of Freetown stranded, unable to access transportation for their daily commutes to work, businesses, and schools. Many have resorted to walking long distances to reach their destinations, placing further strain on the city’s already overburdened transportation infrastructure.
While some regions have observed the sit-at-home strike, pockets of Sierra Leone continue with their daily activities, highlighting the diverse responses to this problem.
