Sierra Leoneans students have taken to the streets in protest of the increament of data prices in their country. These students are standing up for what they believe in and are fighting for the rights of their fellow citizens who have been affected by the sudden price hike.
The protest was organized by Delvid Stanley-Coker, Abu Bakarr Jalloh, Abdul Karim Turay and Ibrahim Kamara who have been affected by the data price increase and are now calling for the government to bring back their data. They are asking for an immediate reduction in the cost of data services to make it affordable for all citizens. The protesters also want the government to come up with a plan to make sure that the data prices remain low and stable in the future.
The protest has been largely peaceful, however, police were out to evacuate them out of the premises as they claimed it may cause civil unrest. The students have made it very clear that they are not looking to cause any trouble and are simply trying to get their message out to the government.
Just few weeks ago Sierra Leone internet tariff is now among the highest in price. All other promotions have been cut off indefinetly.
The protest is an example of how citizens can come together to make their voices heard and to demand the rights that they are entitled to. The students are hoping that their protest will lead to the government taking action and bringing back the data that they need to stay connected. It is a reminder to us all of the power of people and how a few people can make a huge difference.
It remains to be seen whether the government will respond to the protesters’ demands. But by taking to the streets to make their voices heard, the protesters have shown that they are committed to making sure that internet access is accessible and affordable to all Sierra Leoneans.
