Fear has been expressed by scores of organisers of various entertainment activities during this Christmas and New Year festivities according to investigations conducted by Africa24. Most of them said in completely disturbed if not traumatized by the present situation given that they have spent millions of leones to print tickets, banners and T-Shirts and now could not tell whether the curfew imposed for November 26th, 2023 incident could be lifted.

One of the nightclub managers in an interview said that they have paid ahead 50% cost for drinks, food, chairs, musical sets and a team of guards in preparation for the occasion. The manager furthered that the money in question was a loan he took from a businessman hoping that the occasion will be held without security concerns.

At Sani Abacha Street, a businesswoman Madam Salamatu Turay told Africa24 that the worst is to come for the business community as the curfew limits their commercial activities. She said every retailer has been affected and worst are those from distance communities doing business in the capital.

Another concerned citizen, Abdul Tejan, a member of a mask devil society at the central Freetown, says if the curfew is not lifted, mask devil activities of all kinds will be limited just like the operations of restaurants and nightclubs.

A spokesman for the disabled community says during every Christmas, patriotic Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora used to visit their communities and give tokens including consumable and non-consumable items and scholarships. However, he expressed fear things might change this time around if the curfew remains in force.

Like other activities, marriage celebrations are also said to be affected given that receptions and parties are normally held from 8:00pm upward so the situation has undeniably been a cause for alarm.

It is for all these reasons people are agitating to government to reconsider lifting the curfew not only for festive celebrations but spend their time in peace especially at this trying time.