In a press release issued on Monday 20th October, Lifeline Nehemiah Projects (LNP), a long-standing community development organisation in Sierra Leone, called for urgent international attention following a violent police operation at its compound in Kuntorloh, East Freetown.
According to the release, “Armed officers, reportedly acting under the protection of a government-backed project, used tear gas, beat residents, and forcibly occupied land legally owned by Lifeline.
The property in question has, for years, served as a safe and inclusive space for school-going children, young adults, and the wider Kuntorloh community who benefit from LNP’s educational and empowerment programmes.
Despite multiple letters of complaint/appeal sent by LNP to the Inspector General of Police (May 2024 and September 2025), the Office of the Chief Minister (September 2025), and the Office of His Excellency the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio (2024 and September 2025), the issue remains unresolved.
Tragically, on the 3rd October 2025, Local Unit Commander (LUC) Eric Murana Kamara of Kissy Police Division led a troop to Lifeline compound, looted building materials and arrested LNP staff.
On 4th October 2025, an infant was confirmed dead, several individuals sustained injuries, and at least five community members including a breastfeeding mother were arrested and held without charge.
The attack occurred at LNP’s compound in Kuntorloh, where police officers and soldiers forcibly entered and began construction on Lifeline’s land. The activity is linked to a USD 990,000 project funded by the Government of India through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented by the Ministry of Social Welfare.
“What is happening here is a tragedy” said Jamie Singleton, Director of UK-based partner organisation Lifeline Network International (LNI). “A programme intended to bring hope to people with disabilities has instead brought terror to families resulting in the death of a baby and the assault of a mother while holding her child. We cannot stand by while aid money is used to trample on human rights.”
Witnesses describe a scene of chaos: tear gas fired into a school building during a parents-and-teachers meeting, children and young people beaten with metal chains, and residents forced to hide indoors as the compound filled with smoke.
Mary Williams, the wife of LNP’s Executive Director, was detained for nearly two days and forced to breastfeed her baby while in custody. Her husband, Prince Tommy Williams, and Local Chief Pa Almamy Sesay II were forced into hiding after receiving threats from security officials. They remained in hiding until 13th October 2025, when they were finally able to reunite with their families.
The disputed land is officially protected by a court injunction as the only open athletic field in the area, serving over 30 schools and youth groups. It has sadly shown that the Kissy Division and Approved school Police post officers and the Minister of Social Welfare consider themselves above the law. Despite verified ownership documents registered with the Ministry of Lands, construction workers and armed police remain stationed on site.
“This is not just a land issue,” said Prince Tommy Williams, speaking from a secure location. “It is a violation of everything we stand for – justice, safety, and respect for human life and community. The police attacked children, mothers, and people with disabilities in the name of development. Such impunity must not be allowed to continue.”
For nearly 30 years, Lifeline Nehemiah Projects has been a cornerstone of community empowerment in Sierra Leone. Through its work, thousands of young people and families have been reintegrated into society, supported with education, and empowered through vocational training and livelihood development.
LNP’s programmes have included: Education Support for teenage mothers and at-risk youth; Support for juveniles at the Approved School Wellington; Freetown Technical Vocational Institute; sponsorships; farming initiatives; and entrepreneurship training for unemployed youths.
In 2024 to 2016, LNP led community relief efforts during the Ebola outbreak, supporting 8,000 quarantined households, and saving 273 lives at their Ebola Treatment Centre.
Over the years, LNP has partnered with respected organisations such as the World Bank, Medair, Oxfam, Comic Relief, Big Lottery and others.
LNP and LNI are urgently calling for: An immediate halt to all construction activities on the disputed land; Security protection for Mr. Williams, his family, LNP staff, and beneficiaries; the suspension of AIG East, Mr. Brima Kanneh, and LUC Mr. Eric Murana Kamara pending an independent investigation; a transparent and impartial investigation into the violence, deaths, and unlawful arrests; The return of all confiscated building materials, computers, and compensation for damages incurred; Accountability from those overseeing and funding the project to ensure donor resources are not used to violate human rights.
“We are appealing to the UNDP, the Government of India, and the Sierra Leonean authorities to act now,” said Singleton. “Development must never come at the cost of human dignity, freedom, or life.”
Under the leadership of AIG East Mr. Brima Kanneh and LUC Mr. Eric Murana Kamara, Lifeline Nehemiah Projects, its staff, beneficiaries, and the wider community have faced intimidation and harm. These actions raise troubling questions about the misuse of state authority and the role of law enforcement in a democratic society.
We are not safe!!
