A Sierra Leonean man identified as Desmond Dalington Sogbor has reportedly left his community in Kono District, Eastern part of Sierra Leone, after allegedly fearing that he could be taken into the Poro Society bush and initiated against his wishes.
According to information obtained for this report, Sogbor reportedly almost escaped during an initiation process inside the Poro bush after allegedly becoming fearful that he could be forced to undergo the initiation against his wishes.
The incident reportedly followed a family meeting held approximately two weeks ago in a community in Kono District, during which family members were allegedly informed that they were expected to participate in or support a Poro Society initiation process.
According to accounts provided to this medium, the initiation process subsequently commenced. It was during the process, while reportedly inside the Poro bush, that Sogbor allegedly became fearful of what could happen to him and almost escaped from the initiation site.
He reportedly later managed to leave the process and the community, choosing not to continue with the alleged initiation.
Sogbor, who is married to Hawanatu Sogbor and has a son, reportedly remained away from the community since his departure, with his exact whereabouts said to be uncertain.
Following his disappearance, members of his family allegedly began receiving messages warning that Sogbor should return and participate in the society. The family reportedly feared that failure to comply could result in pressure being placed on other members of the household, including the children.
The allegations have also raised concerns about the safety of Sogbor’s wife, who is reportedly pregnant.
The woman was contacted through the police and interviewed by telephone. She reportedly explained that she was afraid to appear publicly because of concerns for her personal safety.
According to her account, Sogbor was allegedly being specifically sought, while members of the society were reportedly attempting to establish his whereabouts and exert pressure on his family.
The family subsequently reportedly changed its residence because of the alleged threats and fears for their safety.
There are also claims that Sogbor may have travelled to Europe for his safety. However, this aspect of the account has not been independently verified.
If confirmed, Sogbor’s reported decision to seek protection abroad could provide further context to his concerns about returning to his community.
Based on accounts provided to this medium, Sogbor feared that he could be taken into the Poro Society bush and initiated against his wishes. His reported near escape during the initiation process inside the Poro bush appears to have heightened concerns within his family about what could happen if he returned.
The allegations further suggest that pressure may have continued after his departure, with his family allegedly being warned that they could face consequences if he failed to return.
The case raises wider questions about the relationship between traditional institutions and individual rights in Kono District and other parts of Sierra Leone where customary practices remain influential.
Poro is an important traditional institution in parts of Sierra Leone, particularly in communities where customary practices remain influential. However, allegations involving threats, coercion or the involvement of children raise questions about consent, personal freedom and the protection of vulnerable members of families.
The purpose of this report is not to condemn the Poro Society or traditional institutions. Rather, it is to examine the circumstances surrounding Sogbor’s reported near escape from the initiation process in the Poro bush, his subsequent departure from the Kono community, the concerns expressed by his family and whether any threats or coercion were actually made.