In a show of commitment to security, Dr. Sengeh embarked on a walk through key areas, including Lumley, P.Z, Up Gun, Wellington, Calaba Town, and Hastings junction in the Rural district.
This move aims to bolster the city’s security and encourage residents to resume their daily activities with confidence, emphasizing that the government is in full control of the situation.
“From Lumley to PZ, through East End Police, Kissy, Wellington to Calaba Town, we assured the people of their maximum security. We, the citizens, own the streets. We, the patriots, own this city. Cowards hiding behind keyboards paid for by bad politicians will remain in the dark!
#WeWillDeliver,” he stated on a social post.
Dr. Sengeh acknowledges the challenges faced by the people and affirms President Julius Maada Bio’s dedication to finding solutions.
“Leaders don’t use hardship to spread hate, division & violence. We know things are hard. We’ll make it better!,” Minister Sengeh noted.
Throughout his journey, he underscores the vital link between peace and development, urging the youth to persevere in their pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous nation.
Since last week, there have been rumors of protests over the rising cost of living, fuel prices, and discontent regarding the June 24 presidential elections. The call for this strike proliferated mainly through messages on social media platforms, with WhatsApp being a primary medium. Investigations have linked these messages to Adebayo, a Sierra Leonean based in Holland and the leader of the People’s Power in Politics (PPP) group.
One contributing factor to the strike’s magnitude is a parallel protest by commercial drivers, who have ceased operations in protest of skyrocketing fuel prices across Sierra Leone. The cost of petroleum products has steadily risen in recent months, delivering a severe blow to the livelihoods of these drivers, who have been left with little choice but to down their tools.
The combined impact of these strikes has left countless Freetown residents stranded, with no access to transportation for their daily commutes to work, businesses, and schools. Many resorted to walking long distances to reach their destinations, further exacerbating the city’s already strained transportation infrastructure.
While some regions have adhered to the sit-at-home strike, other pockets of Sierra Leone continue with their daily activities, underscoring the heterogeneous response to this crisis.
