The Sierra Leone Police have confirmed the arrest of one Abdul Kadiru Kai Kai, a strongman of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and his government, for expressly stating in a widely circulated video on social media that: “If ar nor bi president in 2028 ar dae bring serious war na dis kontri… “If ar nor get am [president] ar go bring war na dis kontri wae go worse pass d wan wae nor bodi nor expect. Ar well prepia foram, ar well borjet for ram…for bring war ya, na abot 3.3 million dollars for stat na Masheka…”
The statement’s made in Sierra Leone’s creole language and when translated in English, it means: “If I do not become president of Sierra Leone in 2028, I will mastermind and bring a big war in Sierra Leone, far worse than anybody is expecting. I am well prepared and had even budgeted for it. To bring war in Sierra Leone, one only needs 3.3 million United States Dollars to start at Masiaka.”
Considering “the seriousness of the statement and its effect on national safety and security, the Sierra Leone Police, through the Criminal Investigations Department, has initiated an investigation concerning that video in circulation on social media and the said suspect (Abdul Kadiru Kai Kai) has been arrested and presently in custody.”
The Police say their “investigation seeks to ascertain the veracity of the statement and the intent and motive of the maker.”
Stakeholders from both Sierra Leone’s main opposition and ruling party have condemned what’s regarded as reckless statements.
Chairman of the All People’s Congress(APC) in the Western Area, Chairman Kasho J. Holland Cole, has condemned the outburst, deeming it unfortunate especially at a time when both the ruling SLPP and the main opposition APC have committed themselves to peace through the National Dialogue and Tripartite Agreement.
A statement from Sierra Leone’s ruling party- the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has strongly and unequivocally condemned “such reckless and dangerous statements as it does not represent the views and aspirations of members of the SLPP.”
SLPP argues “threats of violence and war have no place in a civilized and democratic society and must be unequivocally denounced.”
Citizens have equally condemned the outburst, noting it is a threat to national peace and discourse.
Sierra Leone has been largely threatened by issues of insecurity in the recent past.
The Government of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio itself has survived two bloody insurrections alleged to be coups recently. And the President himself has openly come out to blame and attack the country’s main opposition APC for being a primary reason.
On the 12th July, 2024, Sierra Leone’s government also states in a press release that they had uncovered a plot involving individuals suspected of importing bomb-making materials into the country.
According to the press release, “after months of surveillance, a joint operation by intelligence, military, and police forces was carried out on Sunday, July 7, 2024, targeting several locations in and around the Western Area. The operation was a success, resulting in the seizure of various bomb-making materials, including: 12.5 kg empty gas cylinders, High-grade TNT (Trinitrotoluene), Detonators, Firing devices, Timers and other bomb-making components disguised as powdered laundry detergents and soap.”
“Additionally, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, a further search at the residence of suspect Hussein Antar led to the discovery of 7,847,100 Captagon pills. These pills, a dangerous and addictive amphetamine-type stimulant, were concealed in bedroom refrigerators and air-conditioners. Captagon is known to be widely used by ISIS and fighters in Syria. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $94,155,200.”
The International Community including ECOWAS, America etc has succeeded in brokering a peace deal between the two political parties after some tough exchanges recently.
Whatever Kadiru’s statements will mean to this will tell in the coming days, weeks, months and years to come.
