STUDENT DIES DURING FRATERNITY INITIATION CEREMONY

UNCLAS FREETOWN 000017

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (JHUNTER)

E.O. 12958
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM SL

SUBJECT: STUDENT DIES DURING FRATERNITY INITIATION CEREMONY


1. Summary: An 18 year old freshman in the Faculty of Arts Fourah
Bay College died on December 22, allegedly due to injuries he
sustained during an initiation ceremony in one of the social clubs
on campus called the Island Club. The Office of the President issued
a press release December 24, indefinitely banning all college social
activities across the country. The police have released a list of 29
students and former students to help them with the investigations.
End Summary.


2. Fraternities and social Clubs have long-been the popular on
college campuses across the country. These fraternities range from
those with socio-political agendas to the strictly social. At
Fourah Bay College alone, which is the oldest university in Sierra
Leone there are approximately 22 groups: 12 clubs are exclusively
for males, 2 of which are socio-political clubs seeking to control
student politics at every level, while 7 are for females and 4
co-ed. The rivalry between the socio-political clubs is very
intense, and often manifests itself through campus politics; police
intervention is necessary whenever there are student elections. On
the social front, there are always minor clashes between clubs on
which should control social activities on campus. This trend has
been replicated across the country.


3. An initiation ceremony is required to become a member of any
fraternity or social clubs. Pre-initiation ceremonies last for 3
weeks, and initiates are flogged, perform errands and chores for
members and past members, and give money daily. The initiation
itself varies from club to club but most initiates are restrained
and beaten, sometimes for prolonged periods. There have been
allegations of sexual activities and cultism but these have not been
substantiated. However, since most students are members of different
secret societies, they try to incorporate some elements of those
into fraternity initiation. Initiation rites are reportedly becoming
more rigorous and painful each year.


4. Mohamed Gamanga Juana, 18, was reportedly initiated by the
"Island Club." This club is renowned for forcing initiates to drink
excessively, as well as endure beatings and simulated drownings.
Juana was also reportedly initiated into two other clubs several
days before his death. Newspaper reports claim that the he comes
from a strict Muslim family and has never used alcohol or drugs
before. This is the first reported initiation-related death in the
country.

5 Following Juana's death, the Office of the President issued a
press release banning all college club activities across the country
and threatening to bring the full force of the law on the culprits.
Though campus authorities usually ban club activities following a
disturbance, this is the first time the President's Office involved
itself or placed a ban countrywide. As per Sierra Leone's
constitution, President Koroma holds the title of Chancellor of the
University, and can thus make unilateral decisions.


6. So far 11 members of the club, including past members, have been
detained by the police or arrested. The media has suggested that
some have fled the country, rather than face questioning. No charges
have yet been filed, but it is believed that many will soon be
charged to court for manslaughter.


7. The Student Union's Executive issued a Press Statement condemning
the death of the Juana and promising to fully cooperate to bring
those responsible to justice. They have also declared January 12-13
as days of mourning for Juana.


8. Comment: There has been widespread condemnation of the incident
in the media, as well as support for the imposed ban. Though the
President rarely intervenes in campus affairs, he is clearly taking
this death, though isolated, very seriously. Students are beginning
to hedge, though, at the perceived interference in their social
activities. End Comment.

FEDZER