Retired lieutenant Lahai Lawrence Leema can dish it out...but can't take it

 

In 2021, numerous reports stated that a by-election in Koinadugu, the largest district in Sierra Leone and one of the least densely populated, had been taken over by Lahai Lawrence Leema, then deputy minister of internal affairs and a retired military officer of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

"It has become too much the case that thugs overrun our polling stations during bye-elections with the police throwing their hands in the air as if it is not their job to keep the peace," wrote Vickie Remoe, a media producer.

A leading voice opposing violence and intimidation, Remoe praised the Sierra Leonean observers of National Election Watch (NEW) for their commitment to transparency at polling stations.

The following week, on Africa Young Voices (AYV) television, Leema attacked Marcella Samba Sesay while on-air with AYV's Samuel Wise Bangura.

Before being evacuated from Sierra Leone for her safety after the June 2023 elections, Sesay served as the executive director of the Campaign for Good Governance and as the chairperson of NEW.

One viewer noted that instead of addressing allegations of election violence raised by NEW and the opposition party, the All People's Congress (APC), Leema moved to attack Sesay and her husband on national TV.

"This is the kind of political intimidation some of our brave women face every day, putting their lives at risk," said one social media observer. "Unfortunately, this has become a pattern," they added. First was (Freetown) Mayor Aki-Sawyerr, then Femi Claudius-Cole, leader of the Unity Political Party, followed by Lara Taylor Peace, the ousted auditor general of Sierra Leone, and later, Marcella Samba-Sesay."

A viral social media campaign post read: "Lahai Lawrence Leema, I condemn your act of bullying and intimidation against Marcella Samba-Sesay. And to her, I stand in solidarity because I am that woman who says "No To Political Intimidation."

It only took a few years for Leema to experience what he had once inflicted.

Recently, an interviewer asked Leema if he would serve again if the president asked him, to which he responded that refusing would mean not serving his country.

When pressed if he expected an appointment, Leema said he didn’t, but he expressed respect and admiration for President Bio, while also acknowledging some disagreements.

Leema explained that, as a party leader, one might sometimes ignore certain issues, like a clique or faction targeting an individual, but they should intervene before it causes serious damage.

When asked if President Bio had failed to protect him, Leema said it was hard to say. Perhaps his protection kept worse outcomes at bay, though he wasn’t sure. However, Leema reiterated that, while a leader might overlook some actions, intervention is necessary if harassment escalates.

Despite the interviewer’s suggestion of issues with President Bio, Leema clarified that his concern was not with the president personally, but with the need for him to stop the harassment.

He recalled feeling unprotected, highlighting his service as deputy minister of internal affairs and the difficulties he faced, including being removed from office and having limited security officers.

He said he now depends on divine protection and questioned how he could defend himself if attacked, noting that his last resort would be to wield a cutlass, a skill his father taught him for self-defense.