By MB Jalloh
Sheikh Kallay has issued a scathing rebuke to Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Tamba Lamina, for his glaring inaction in the face of recent brutal attacks on Muslims and peaceful citizens in Gorama Mende Chiefdom- Kenema District, Eastern Sierra Leone.
In a widely circulated audio message on social media, the Sheikh also vehemently condemned Minister Lamina’s unconstitutional suspension of Paramount Chief Haja Mariama Gassama Kanja IV, a move that has exacerbated tensions in the already volatile region.
In a powerful invocation, Sheikh Kallay called upon the Almighty Allah, the Most High and the Most Exalted, to hold Minister Tamba Lamina accountable for his failure to uphold justice and protect the rights of the people in Gorama Mende Chiefdom.
The Sheikh’s strong condemnation comes amidst mounting concerns over Minister Lamina’s handling of the violence, allegedly perpetrated by members of the Wonde Secret Society.
The situation has highlighted the urgent need for decisive action to safeguard the rights and security of the people in Gorama Mende Chiefdom.
In these tumultuous times, courageous voices like Sheikh Kallay’s are a beacon of hope for the Muslim community. His fearless stance against the unconstitutional suspension of Gorama Mende Paramount Chief, Haja Mariama Gassama Kanja IV, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness.
Sheikh Kallay’s outspokenness is a powerful reminder that silence in the face of oppression is not an option. His bold condemnation of the injustices perpetrated against the Muslim community and peaceful citizens in Gorama Mende is a clarion call to action, urging leaders and scholars to speak out against tyranny and defend the rights of the oppressed.
Unfortunately, the deafening silence from some quarters, including the United Council of Imams, is a stark reminder of the moral obligation that leaders have to speak truth to power. The absence of a statement from the president of the United Council of Imams, Dr. Habib Sheriff, is particularly disappointing.
Reports indicate that over a dozen Imams and their prayer callers (Muezzins) are currently being held at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre in connection with the recent violence in Gorama Mende Chiefdom. They were arrested and taken to Freetown, where they are allegedly being incarcerated.
As leaders, they have a sacred duty to protect the rights of the Muslim community, to condemn injustice, and to promote justice, equality, and human rights. Their silence is not only a betrayal of this trust but also a tacit endorsement of the status quo.
Sierra Leone urgently needs more scholars and leaders like Sheikh Kallay, who are willing to take a firm stance against injustice, even in the face of adversity.
The country also needs leaders who will challenge unjust systems, who will speak truth to power, and who will defend the rights of the oppressed.
As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Sheikh Kallay’s courageous stance is a powerful reminder that our voices matter, that our silence is complicity, and that our collective action can bring about transformative change.
May Allah guide our leaders to take a firm stance for justice and righteousness. May He grant us the strength and resilience to continue advocating for our rights and dignity, even in the face of adversity.
At the end of the day, everybody shall be held accountable for their deeds. In Islam, speaking the truth, to whoever might be concerned, is not optional but mandatory. Prophet Musa (Moses) – (peace be upon him) was told to speak the truth to one of the most brutal and tyrannical Kings (the Pharaoh) history has ever recorded, and he (Moses) did as he was instructed by his Lord.
As Muslims, our teachings of Islam require us to speak the truth and stand by the truth, especially when it has to do with the protection of the rights of the weak and oppressed in our society.
Sheikh Alie Kallay is a Saudi Arabia-trained Islamic scholar based in Freetown. With over 20 years of experience in journalism, he has established himself as a respected voice in both local and international media.
His impressive portfolio includes numerous articles published in various print, electronic, and digital media outlets, showcasing his expertise and insightful perspectives on a range of topics.
