Sierra Leone suspends community soccer after fatal Kroo Town Road unrest

The Sierra Leonean Ministry of Sports has suspended all community and school soccer competitions in the western area following violent clashes in Kroo Town Road. The unrest, which occurred after a football match between Kroo Town Road and Kossoh Town, reportedly resulted in three deaths and several injuries.

Security officials stated that police were responding to an assault on a resident during a funeral when they were attacked with projectiles by a local faction. One casualty, a local trader, was reportedly struck by a stray bullet during the police response. In response to the violence, the government has permitted only informal, non-competitive matches for leisure purposes.

The Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB) has launched a formal investigation into the incident. Acting under its own authority, the IPCB is investigating the discharge of firearms by officers and alleged injuries or assaults caused by police personnel. The investigation follows reports circulating on social media regarding the fatal shooting incident.