By Sulaiman Jalloh
President Julius Maada Bio has assured the Sierra Leonean Fullahs of his government’s commitment to safeguarding their rights as citizens.
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the head of state held a fruitful conversation with the leaders of the Fullah community, including chiefs, tribal heads, and representatives from the Fullah Progressive Union and Tabital Pulaaku International – SL at his office in Freetown.
The meeting underscored the President’s dedication to fostering unity and inclusivity within Sierra Leone’s diverse society.
On Sunday, December 15, 2024, some Sierra Leonean Fullahs were arrested by some elements of the security in Freetown. According to the security officers, they were looking for undocumented foreign nationals residing in the country, a situation that was termed by many as tribal profiling against the Fullahs in the country because majority of those arrested were Fullahs who were with valid documentation.
“Today, I had a fruitful conversation with the leaders of the Fullah community, including chiefs, tribal heads, and representatives from the Fullah Progressive Union,” President Bio tweeted on his social media handle (Facebook) while assuring the leaders that their community is an essential part of the nation’s fabric.
“The Fullah people are a vital part of our society, and we are dedicated to ensuring their rights and well-being are protected,” the President noted.
While expressing disappointment on the harassment and intimidation meted against them, the leaders of the Fullah community expressed their gratitude for the President’s commitment and engagement while reaffirming their commitment to supporting his administration. They however highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration to address the community’s needs and aspirations.
The engagement served as a platform for open communication and mutual understanding, strengthening the bond between the government and the Sierra Leonean Fullahs. It also marked a pivotal step in promoting inclusivity and unity in Sierra Leone.
However, the government had condemned the said act of harassment and promised to investigate those who perpetrated the act.
President Bio’s reaffirmation and assurance demonstrated his government’s dedication to creating a society where every citizen’s rights are respected and upheld and foster a more harmonious and cohesive nation, paving the way for a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans.