28,000 amputees struggle for acceptance in post-war Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone's brutal civil war from 1991 to 2002 resulted in approximately 28,000 amputees, many of whom continue to face significant societal discrimination. Individuals like Makieu, who lost his leg as a child due to rebel violence, illustrate the harsh realities faced by those disabled during the conflict. Currently, many amputees live on the streets or rely on begging to survive, having been largely rejected by their families and communities. Mambud Samai, the founder of Farming on Crutches, established this program to help these individuals gain farming skills and become self-sufficient. In 2020, Samai set up a demonstration farm in Freetown, aiming to teach amputees the necessary skills to farm and lead in rural communities. He has managed to train 100 amputees through this initiative, but there are still many more who lack access to support. The program has been financed by a British charity, Pasture for Life, highlighting a need for greater support from the Sierra Leone government to expand these efforts. Many amputees like Alimany Kani, who lost his leg when he was an infant in the civil war, call for government reparations, criticizing the lack of specific assistance for their community. Despite some improvements in the perception of amputees over the last decade, thanks in part to the Disability Act of 2011, the majority still encounter discrimination and social isolation. Initiatives like Farming on Crutches aim to change this narrative, transforming the lives of those impacted by the war. As they learn to farm, these individuals hope to regain their dignity and become productive members of society once again. Samai believes that fostering social connections is crucial for healing and integration, stating, "We are created for fellowship, not isolation." The road ahead remains challenging for many amputees in Sierra Leone as they strive for recognition and support. The burden of poverty exacerbates their struggles, with prosthetic clinics proving financially inaccessible for vast segments of the disabled population. Nevertheless, the cultivation of agricultural skills has the potential to empower these individuals, providing them with a foundation for self-sufficiency and a chance to rebuild their lives positively.