by Fatima Babih, EdD
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Edwina Jamiru, the young woman whose detention sparked national and international concern over freedom of expression and arbitrary arrest, has released a new video message on TikTok addressing the people of Sierra Leone.
In the emotional message, recorded in a dimly lit room showing only her face, Jamiru does not explicitly confirm whether she has been released from police custody, though widespread discussion on social media suggests she may no longer be detained. The circumstances under which the video was recorded remain unclear.
In her address, Jamiru presents herself as a patriotic Sierra Leonean who “means no harm” to the country and expresses love for its people across political, religious, and social divides. She emphasizes that her earlier public statements against Justice Momoh Jah Stevens and the Government of Sierra Leone were motivated by deep personal pain and a desire to speak out for women and girls who have suffered abuse at the hands of powerful men.
Jamiru describes her actions as a form of sacrifice, stating that she paid a heavy price for speaking out publicly and likening her ordeal to historical struggles for justice. She acknowledges that her approach may not have been perfect and expresses remorse for any distress caused, while maintaining that what she endured was wrong and unjust.
Notably, Jamiru signals a desire to close the chapter on her dispute with Momoh Jah Stevens, stating repeatedly that she wishes to move forward with her life and no longer engage in public discussion of the matter. She frames her decision as one guided by faith, forgiveness, and a determination to focus on personal growth and national development.
She also expresses gratitude to Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad, civil society organizations, religious leaders, musicians, women’s groups, and supporters across Africa for standing with her during her ordeal.
While Jamiru reiterates that she believes she has the legal right to pursue justice through national, regional, or international courts, including ECOWAS, she states that she has chosen instead to “hold her peace” and leave the matter in the hands of God. Her message ends with a call for unity, healing, and development, affirming her willingness to work with the government and people of Sierra Leone and expressing love for her country and her child.
EDITOR’S NOTE / CONTEXT
Edwina Jamiru’s detention prompted sustained advocacy by many Sierra Leonean citizens across the globe, various groups, including African Women’s R.I.S.E., with legal communications to national authorities and international human rights bodies raising concerns about constitutional rights, freedom of expression, and arbitrary detention.
MAMA SALONE ~ Lioness of the West Coast 