Maada Bio 'washes his hands' and blames others for persistent drug epidemic in Sierra Leone
Today marks a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. While we take a moment to recognize this important day, our focus shifts to a troubling situation in Freetown. Recent reports from the Freetown City Council (FCC) highlight a disturbing rise in the number of deceased individuals found on the streets, especially among the youth. This tragic increase in fatalities has been mainly linked to the emerging Kush pandemic, raising urgent public health concerns. Since January 2025, the FCC has reported a staggering total of 253 bodies collected , putting immense pressure on the city's mortuary facilities and burial operations. The situation at the Connaught Hospital mortuary has become increasingly difficult, with a growing number of unclaimed and unidentified bodies. Similar issues have arisen in other regions, complicating efforts to accommodate additional remains. There have been instances where caretakers, o...