By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Christian Lawyers Centre, commonly referred to as LEGAL LINK, has announced the death of Mohamed Mansaray, known widely as Blacka, a well-known mental health patient in Sierra Leone. His passing, which occurred recently, has sparked renewed calls for better protection of the rights and welfare of mental health patients in the country.
Blacka, whose corpse was laid to rest at the Kissy Cemetery on Sunday, March 23, 2025, was a prominent figure, remembered for his humorous political satire, witty comments, and unique habit of shaving the heads of other mental health patients, often without their consent. Despite his notoriety, Blacka faced significant challenges in a polarized society. He endured physical harm and severe injuries as a result of his outspoken nature.
A Friend of LEGAL LINK
LEGAL LINK, an advocacy group that defends the rights of vulnerable persons, expressed deep sorrow over Blacka’s passing. The group highlighted his transformation under the guidance of its Executive Director, lawyer Rashid Dumbuya, who helped lead Blacka to Christianity. Despite initial signs of improvement, Blacka eventually returned to the streets, worsening his mental health condition.
In his later years, Blacka became gravely ill. Despite efforts to address his deteriorating health, support arrived too late to prevent his passing.
Urgent Need for Legislative Action
LEGAL LINK has criticized the lack of adequate laws, policies, and institutions in Sierra Leone to protect the rights of mental health patients like Blacka. While a colonial Lunacy Act exists, the organization argues that the outdated statute fails to address the complex needs of mental health patients.
The advocacy group has called on the government to enact a Blacka Lunacy Act in his memory. LEGAL LINK emphasized that such legislation is vital to protect and guarantee the rights of mental health patients, who often face neglect and marginalization in Sierra Leone.
International Legal Obligations
LEGAL LINK also pointed to Sierra Leone’s commitments under international frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The organization warned that failing to safeguard the rights of mental health patients at the domestic level constitutes a violation of international law.
Citing the landmark PUROHIT v. The Gambia case, which ruled against the Gambian government for its failure to protect mental health patients, LEGAL LINK stressed that Sierra Leone must fulfill its obligations to ensure the welfare of vulnerable groups.
A Call for Change
In their statement, LEGAL LINK condemned the neglect Blacka endured throughout his life and urged state actors to take immediate action. The advocacy group called for improved legislation, policies, and institutions to support mental health patients, highlighting the importance of caring for society’s most vulnerable members.
As Sierra Leone mourns the passing of Blacka, LEGAL LINK hopes his memory will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change. The enactment of the Blacka Lunacy Act could mark a pivotal step toward ensuring that mental health patients receive the care and protection they deserve.