A source in Sierra Leone has raised concerns over the safety of Mohamed Barry Abubakar, a man originally from Kenema whose whereabouts are currently unknown after he is believed to have fled the country amid fears linked to his sexual orientation.
Speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case, the source alleged that Abubakar, identified as a gay man, had faced sustained discrimination, threats and violence over time. According to the account, tensions escalated in 2020 following an incident at a public venue where he and a same-sex partner were reportedly seen displaying affection.
The source claims the situation drew the attention of members of the public, who alerted police, prompting the pair to flee. While Abubakar is said to have escaped, his partner was reportedly arrested and taken into custody, where he is alleged to remain.
In the aftermath, Abubakar is said to have gone into hiding, fearing arrest, violence or possible death if discovered. The source indicated that he subsequently left Sierra Leone, and his current location has not been publicly confirmed.
Under Sierra Leonean law, same-sex sexual activity between men remains criminalised under provisions of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, a colonial-era law that prescribes penalties for what it terms “unnatural offences.” While prosecutions are relatively rare, the law continues to exist and is frequently cited by rights groups as contributing to stigma and vulnerability for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Activists and international organisations have long argued that the legal framework, combined with prevailing cultural and religious attitudes, creates an environment in which individuals may face discrimination, harassment or violence with limited access to protection.
However, the details of Abubakar’s case, including the reported arrest of his partner and the circumstances surrounding his departure, have not been independently verified.
