The Chairman of the Bombali District Human Rights Committee, Peter Conteh, has raised serious concerns regarding the alleged assault on a six-month-old baby in Makeni, Northern Sierra Leone. In an interview on April 23rd, 2024, Conteh expressed dismay over what he described as a flagrant violation of the child's fundamental rights, calling for urgent action to ensure justice is served.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on April 8th, 2024, involved the alleged pelting of the infant, Mahmoud Kondeh, with a stone on the neck by Isatu S Kamara, the wife of Camilo A Kamara, a member of the Sierra Leone People’s Party in Bombali District. Despite suffering from weeks of pain following the incident, the family of the victim claims that no meaningful steps have been taken to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Conteh emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the matter, highlighting the reckless use of political influence to shield wrongdoers from facing the consequences of their actions. He expressed deep concern over reports that the alleged perpetrators are brazenly flaunting their political connections, casting doubt on the impartiality of the legal process.

The delay in bringing the matter to court, coupled with allegations of political interference, has further fueled tensions and undermined public confidence in the rule of law. Conteh warned against the dangerous precedent set by such incidents, stressing the importance of upholding the principles of justice and accountability.

However, Camilo Abdul Kamara and his wife have vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that the baby had pre-existing health issues unrelated to the alleged assault. Despite their denial, Conteh remains resolute in his call for a transparent and expedited investigation to uncover the truth and deliver justice for the victim and his family.

The reluctance of the investigating officer to provide substantive comments on the matter raises additional concerns about the integrity of the investigative process and the potential for external influence to compromise its impartiality.

As the case continues to unfold, the Chairman of the Bombali District Human Rights Committee remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring that the rights of the vulnerable are protected, and those responsible for their suffering are held accountable under the full extent of the law.

In the pursuit of justice, it is imperative that political affiliations are set aside, and the rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of their status or connections, are upheld and respected.