Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Addis Ababa has responded to a viral video and audio circulating on social media, in which a woman identified by her family as Fatmata Mansaray claims she has been detained by Ethiopian police for immigration violations.
In a statement, the Embassy confirmed it had taken immediate action to investigate the matter.
“Acting in line with its diplomatic mandate, the Sierra Leone Embassy in Ethiopia visited the Addis Ababa Police Commission and the Ethiopian Federal Police to ascertain if there is a Sierra Leonean in their custody by the name of Fatmata Mansaray,” the Embassy stated. However, both Ethiopian authorities denied any knowledge of Mansaray’s detention but assured the Embassy they would investigate further.
While awaiting the results of this investigation, the Embassy noted several inconsistencies that raise questions about the authenticity of the video and audio.
The Embassy’s statement highlighted key findings from their investigation and discussions with Ethiopian authorities:
1. “No individual, whether Ethiopian or a foreigner, can be accessed and interviewed on camera by a member of the public in prison facilities in Ethiopia.”
2. “No individual, whether Ethiopian or a foreigner, is allowed to visit the premises of the various Ethiopian prisons with his or her mobile phone.”
3. “The Ethiopian Federal Police have categorically rejected the notion of violating the human rights of anyone under their custody, as claimed by the lady in the video and audio.”
Additionally, the Embassy revealed that Mansaray’s relatives had received a suspicious call from a registered Sierra Leone mobile number demanding $800 for her release.
“The ‘detainee’s’ relatives have confirmed to the Embassy that they received a call from a registered Sierra Leone mobile number demanding $800 as a condition for the freedom of Fatmata Mansaray,” the statement said.
The Embassy emphasized that the Government of Sierra Leone and its Embassy in Ethiopia do not engage in paying ransom demands. Despite this, the Embassy assured that it would continue to fulfill its diplomatic and consular responsibilities to all Sierra Leoneans in need of support in Ethiopia.
“The Embassy wishes to reaffirm that it will continue its engagement with the Ethiopian authorities to ensure that the welfare of Sierra Leoneans in Ethiopia is guaranteed at all times,” the statement concluded. “Thus, the Embassy will continue to update the general public as and when the issue relating to Fatmata Mansaray progresses.”
