As investigations into the alleged blood oath taking by members of the Ebema Movement, a powerful group within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) continue to intensify, one name has repeatedly taken center stage is the newly elected Secretary General, Hon. Paran Tarawally.
Hon. Para has been accused of allegedly forcing SLPP delegates in Kailahun and Kenema to take a blood oath of allegiance to the Ebema Movement ahead of the SLPP flagbearer elections. These allegations have ignited widespread debate among political commentators and members of the public, with many questioning how such acts could be associated with modern democratic politics.
Some commentators have gone as far as describing the alleged acts as cannibalistic, satanic, and devilish, arguing that such practices have no place in twenty first century politics.
According to them, politics in Sierra Leone should now be more advanced, transparent, and democratic rather than relying on intimidation or coercion through alleged blood oaths.
They argue that politics is not a do or die affair, but a process that should allow the will of the people to prevail, giving delegates and citizens the freedom to willingly choose leaders they believe are competent enough to lead them to victory. Forcing delegates into secret covenants, they warn, has the potential to create deep divisions within political parties, especially when agreements reached under duress are later violated.
Critics further maintain that these alleged actions have brought public disgrace not only to those directly involved, but also to the Ebema Movement as a whole.
They have therefore cautioned SLPP delegates to distance themselves from what they describe as ungodly and unacceptable practices, stressing that both Christianity and Islam openly condemn such acts. According to them, God condemns covenants made with false gods and promises punishment for those who engage in such practices.
Meanwhile, Musa Tarawally, one of the SLPP flagbearer contenders, has openly condemned the alleged blood oath taking, describing it as completely devilish and against the will of Almighty Allah. He noted that while the people may be poor and vulnerable, that should never be used as an excuse to subject them to satanic oaths.
“Our people are poor and vulnerable, but that does not give anyone the right to subject them to immoral and ungodly practices, all those involved will surely face the punishment of Allah one day for their actions against the vulnerable people they are trying to mislead,” he stated
As investigations continue, many Sierra Leoneans are calling on the SLPP leadership and relevant authorities to thoroughly probe the allegations and ensure that democratic principles, transparency, and respect for human dignity are upheld within the country’s political space.
