Information on this specific subject is currently unavailable to the DIRB.

Bambay Kamara was accused of owning 40 houses and of extorting money from foreign businessmen through one of the three different Commissions of Inquiry that Captain Valentine Strasser set up when he came to power in April 1992. These commissions were set up to examine the assets of former cabinet members, employees of para-state organizations, and members of the army and police (Africa Confidential 9 Oct. 1992). He reportedly denied allegations that he acquired his wealth by illicit means, explaining that "he had won the British football pools," (ibid.) although he could not remember how much or when he had won.

According to Amnesty International, James Bambay Kamara, former Minister of State and Inspector General of Police, was alleged to have been involved in two separate coup attempts on 21 November 1992 and 28 December 1992 (29 Jan. 1993). He was later executed in Freetown, together with 25 other people, reportedly on or before 29 Dec. 1992 (ibid.). Amnesty International reports that the executed people were unfairly treated before a special military tribunal and were "denied all rights of defence." The execution of the 26 people is corroborated in another Amnesty International report, which adds that "the homes and property of those executed were seized and plundered by the military" (1993, 256). The reports do not say anything about the wives and children of James Bambay Kamara. For additional information on this topic, please refer to the attached documents.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Amnesty International. 1993. Amnesty International Report 1993. New York: Amnesty International U.S.A.

_____. 29 January 1993. Urgent Action. (AI Index: AFR 51/02/93). London: amnesty International.

Africa Confidential [London]. 9 October 1992. Vol. 33, No. 20. "Sierra Leone: The Redeemer Comes-and Stays."

Amnesty International. 29 January 1993. Urgent Action. (AI Index: AFR 51/02/93). London: amnesty International.

Africa Confidential [London]. 9 October 1992. Vol. 33, No. 20. "Sierra Leone: The Reedemer Comes-and Stays."