Freetown, Sierra Leone – In an unprecedented turn of events, the bustling streets of Freetown and its surrounding areas stand eerily deserted today, a direct consequence of a sit-at-home strike that has paralyzed the city.
The strike was organized through viral messages circulating on social media platforms, chiefly on WhatsApp, originating from Adebayo, a Sierra Leonean residing in Holland, and the leader of the People’s Power in Politics (PPP) group.
Adebayo, previously implicated in orchestrating the August 10th demonstration, which tragically resulted in loss of life, has once again emerged as a central figure behind this latest wave of civil unrest. Disturbing images and videos circulating on social media reveal a desolate Freetown, with closed shops and vacant streets as residents cower indoors, gripped by fear of potential violence.
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 have 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. Notably, this marks the second major strike to grip Freetown this year, following a similar action orchestrated by commercial riders in June.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities, activists, and citizens alike closely monitoring developments as Freetown grapples with this dual crisis of civil disobedience and economic hardship
