Sierra Leone – October 22, 2025: Lifeline Nehemiah Projects (LNP), a prominent community development organisation in Sierra Leone, has issued a press release condemning a violent police operation at its compound in Kuntorloh, east of Freetown, and calling for urgent intervention.
According to the release issued on Monday, October 20, armed officers stormed the LNP compound on October 3, 2025, using tear gas, beating residents, and occupying land legally owned by the organisation. The land has long served as a safe space for schoolchildren, youth, and community members benefiting from LNP’s educational and empowerment programmes.
The incident, which coincided with a USD 990,000 development project funded by the Government of India through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented by the Ministry of Social Welfare, has sparked outrage. LNP claims the project has led to human rights violations, including the alleged death of an infant, injuries to several individuals, and the arrest of at least five community members, including a breastfeeding mother.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes, including tear gas fired into a school building during a parents-and-teachers meeting and residents forced to hide indoors. Mary Williams, wife of LNP Executive Director Prince Tommy Williams, was reportedly detained for two days and forced to breastfeed her baby while in custody. Mr. Williams and Local Chief Pa Almamy Sesay II went into hiding following threats from security officials, only reuniting with their families on October 13.
Despite verified ownership documents and a court injunction protecting the land as the only open athletic field in the area—serving over 30 schools and youth groups—armed police and construction workers remain stationed on site.
“This is not just a land issue,” said Prince Tommy Williams, speaking from a secure location. “It is a violation of everything we stand for—justice, safety, and respect for human life and community. The police attacked children, mothers, and people with disabilities. Such impunity must not be allowed to continue.”
Jamie Singleton, Director of UK-based partner organisation Lifeline Network International (LNI), echoed the concerns: “A programme intended to bring hope to people with disabilities has instead brought terror to families, resulting in the death of a baby and the assault of a mother while holding her child. We cannot stand by while aid money is used to trample on human rights.”
LNP has sent multiple appeals to the Inspector General of Police, the Office of the Chief Minister, and the Office of the President, but the issue remains unresolved.
The organisation is now calling for:
- An immediate halt to all construction activities on the disputed land
- Security protection for Mr. Williams, his family, LNP staff, and beneficiaries
- Suspension of AIG East pending an independent investigation
- A transparent and impartial inquiry into the violence, death, and unlawful arrests
- Return of confiscated materials and compensation for damages
- Accountability from project funders and implementers to ensure donor resources are not used to violate human rights
For nearly three decades, Lifeline Nehemiah Projects has been a pillar of community empowerment in Sierra Leone, supporting thousands through education, vocational training, and relief efforts—including its pivotal role during the Ebola outbreak.
“This is a moment for the UNDP, the Government of India, and Sierra Leonean authorities to act,” Singleton urged. “Development must never come at the cost of human dignity, freedom, or life.”