The Special Investigation Committee (SIC), that is investigating the events of 10th August 2022, has commenced public hearings in areas where the protests occurred and areas where it did not occur.

The Committee’s Head of Media, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said the SIC has already visited Kaffu Bullom chiefdom, Lungi where they held meetings with chiefs and other traditional rulers, chair ladies and women and the security sector, including the airport management and security.

He said on Tuesday, 29th November, 2022 and Wednesday 30th November 2022 the Committee held similar meetings in Maforki and Bakelokoh chiefdoms, Port Loko town, and Marampa chiefdom, Lunsar, respectively.

The mandate of the SIC according to Ahmed, is to find out how and why August 10th happened, who were the planners and financiers, and to encourage communities to come up with recommendations on how to prevent future occurrences of this nature.

He revealed that the Chairman of the Committee, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai has described the engagements as truth-seeking in a transparent and participatory manner.

“The Committee is seeking the truth about the incidents leading to the August 10thprotests. We are not here to prosecute anyone but to find out the truth and make recommendations to assist the Government to address the underlying causes,” said Saffa Abdulai.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla used the opportunity to thank the Paramount Chiefs in the three areas visited, traditional and religious leaders, the women, the youth and other stakeholders for their cooperation.

Meanwhile, he said the Committee is meeting with National Telecommunications Authority (NATCA) and radio stations of interest and with political parties, while calling on persons who wish to engage the Committee in camera to provide reliable information to aid the investigation to use the following channels: Email: sic.augten@gmail.com and Mobile: +232 76 609065 and +232 30 470288 respectively.