Gay Partners Reportedly Flee Calaba Town Following Community Confrontation

According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation began after a woman identified as Isatu Kamara alleged that she found the two men in a compromising situation and alerted members of the community. Her report reportedly attracted a large crowd of residents, causing tensions to escalate before the two men managed to leave the area.
Speaking to this medium, Isatu Kamara, who described herself as a neighbour of the two men, said she had become suspicious of their relationship over time. She alleged that on the evening of May 9, 2023, during a power outage, she visited John Conteh’s house to recharge her mobile phone because he owned a generator.
“That evening there was a blackout in the area. I usually go to John’s house to recharge my phone because he has a generator. When I entered the house, I found the two men in what I believed was a compromising situation. I started recording the incident before running outside,” she claimed.
Kamara further stated that although she initially decided not to report what she had witnessed, her religious convictions later compelled her to do so.
“As a Muslim, I believed God would not forgive me if I remained silent. I therefore informed the Chief Imam, Sheikh Mohamed Bah, about what I claimed to have witnessed. I also showed the video to some of their relatives,” she said.
Community leaders and youth members interviewed by this medium expressed strong opposition to same-sex relationships, citing their religious beliefs and the fact that consensual same-sex sexual activity remains prohibited under Sierra Leonean law. They said the community would continue to discourage such conduct.
The community chief, Hassan Turay, said this was not the first time allegations of same-sex relationships had been brought to his attention.
“This is not the first or second time I have received such allegations in this community. As a leader and a father, I have tried my best to warn those involved. We need to address this issue seriously,” he said.
Chief Turay also stated that he had instructed youth members to locate the two men and invite them to appear before the community’s court barrie to respond to the allegations.
The Chief Imam, Sheikh Mohamed Bah, likewise condemned same-sex relationships, saying the predominantly Muslim community rejects such practices.
“For the past three years, we have been preaching against same-sex relationships in this community because they are against the teachings of Islam. We will continue to discourage such practices,” he said.
Family members of the two men declined to comment on the allegations. Residents also claimed that Alusine Bangura’s father, Lamin Bangura, collapsed after hearing the accusations against his son, although this claim could not be independently verified.
Same-sex relationships remain a highly sensitive issue in Sierra Leone due to legal, religious, and cultural factors. Allegations of same-sex conduct have, on occasion, led to social tension, discrimination, or violence against those accused. However, allegations alone do not establish wrongdoing, and all individuals are entitled to due process and protection from violence under the law.