By: Umu Doris Koroma
The team coordinator of the Campaign for Good Governance (C.G.G) explained their concerns regarding a recent field survey conducted by C.G.G in collaboration with local communities.
According to the coordinator, on February 14, 2020, an unfortunate incident occurred involving one of their team members, Alpha Jalloh, who inadvertently interfered with the SECRET SOCIETY BUSH.
During the research aimed at gathering indigenous perceptions on the Hands of Our Girls policy, initiated by the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Mr. Jalloh inadvertently breached local traditions and laws while exploring the community of Tainkatopa in the Sanda Tendarin chiefdom.
Jalloh’s curiosity led him to encounter the PORO SOCIETY, a sacred institution, where he unintentionally violated their customs and traditions. Despite strict instructions to respect local laws and values, Jalloh trespassed and inadvertently disrupted their proceedings.
After being spotted by one of the men guarding the secret society bush, Jalloh swiftly withdrew from the scene, leaving his cellphone behind, which was later confiscated. The head of the secret society, the Paramount Chief, was informed by the guard that a stranger had breached and spied on their secret proceedings. Consequently, the Paramount Chief instructed the town crier to make an immediate announcement in the village regarding the matter.
An immediate investigation was launched by C.G.G, which confirmed Jalloh’s involvement. However, Jalloh was nowhere to be found. In light of the incident and concerns for the safety of the remaining crew, the decision was made to cancel the research activities in the affected communities.
Members of the Poro society insisted that Jalloh should be brought forward to answer for his crime, or else none of the crew members would be allowed to leave. The organization contacted local police authorities immediately regarding the safety of the remaining crew. Tensions escalated as the Paramount Chief and top members of the society were furious that Jalloh might have shared their secrets with the world.
Journalists from local media, civil society, and human rights organizations also became interested in Jalloh’s issue. After a long, heated discussion with the police, the Paramount Chief, and his members, they finally agreed to release the crew on the condition that the organization would help find Jalloh to answer for his crimes. The organization requested Jalloh’s phone, which had been confiscated, but the society refused. They vowed to use the information on Jalloh’s cellphone to find him. The crew was later escorted safely back to Freetown by the police.
The organization later contacted Jalloh’s grandfather and provided him with information on the danger his grandson will face, if the Poro society catches him. His grandfather was very furious and insisted that the organization should take the responsibility of finding and protecting his grandson.
The organization vowed to carefully work with Jalloh’s grandfather to make sure this matter doesn’t escalate further.
The organization later extended apologies to the communities for Jalloh’s involvement. That they remain committed to upholding ethical research practices and fostering positive relationships with all stakeholders.
“We urge the public to respect the cultural sensitivities and traditions of the communities we work with and reaffirm our dedication to conducting research responsibly and respectfully,” the team coordinator reaffirms reporters.
Despite the coordinator failed to give a direct response when asked, if they’re to locate Mr Jalloh, will they hand him over to Poro society as per what was agreed upon with the parties involved. He vaguely respond that “ every step will be taken to avoid further misunderstanding” he stated.
