The Center for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL-SL) is appalled by news of the assassination of the Regional Coordinator of the Operational Support Division for the North-East, ASP Mathew Moiwah Gbanya. It is reported that ASP Gbanya was shot to death on the night of Saturday 8th April, 2023 in Makeni, Sierra Leone.
“It sad on so many levels”, said Ibrahim Tommy, Executive Director, Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law, adding that “it represents a huge setback in our collective efforts to strengthen trust between citizens and law enforcement agencies”.
CARL strongly condemns this violent attack on a law enforcement officer and urges the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police to work collaboratively with the intelligence community to investigate this terrible tragedy with the view to bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice. No one deserves to be killed unlawfully or unjustifiably. Every well-meaning person in Sierra Leone must be concerned about this, and should accordingly support ongoing efforts to ensure accountability for this heinous attack.
As we fast approach the 2023 elections, we urge Sierra Leoneans, especially political leaders and their supporters, to tone down the angry political rhetoric. Elections are simply about making choices, and political actors have a responsibility to make the process peaceful, inclusive, and participatory.
May the soul of the fallen officer rest in peace.
#The End#
Download pdf press release here
