Isata Tarawally Hides Amid Family Rejection And Safety Concerns

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Isata Tarawally, daughter of notable politician and Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) embattled flagbearer aspirant Musa Tarawally, is now in hiding after facing severe rejection from her family due to her sexual orientation. Sources from the family and human rights advocates have confirmed her situation, raising alarms among local rights organizations about the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals in a climate of domestic violence and social ostracism.

The crisis escalated in mid-July 2025 when Isata’s stepmother, Fatmata, found her in a romantic relationship with another woman, Hawa, at their family home in Freetown. Upon learning this, Musa Tarawally, a prominent public figure known for his strong Islamic beliefs, publicly condemned his daughter for bringing “disgrace and shame” to the family and subsequently disowned her.

Reports state that he threatened to completely sever ties with her, denying her inheritance rights and erasing her from the family tree should she choose to disclose her identity further. Attempts by relatives to mediate the situation have reportedly failed.

After her eviction, Isata initially moved in with Hawa, but the visibility of their relationship drew unwanted attention from the local community. Fearing rising threats to her safety and experiencing significant mental distress, Isata has since fled to a secure, undisclosed location.

“We are deeply worried about where she is and how she is coping,” a family member shared with local press, wishing to remain anonymous. “We just want her to be safe.”

Local publication Sitta-Eye reported that Isata had consented to limited disclosures about her struggles to raise awareness about her plight, but human rights organizations have cautioned against revealing her current whereabouts. Activists are urging anyone with information regarding her well-being to avoid public channels and instead reach out directly to professional human rights protection services.