VZCZCXRO4638
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHFN #0017 0121230
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 121230Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2405
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

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