Ep 3. War Don Don
- January 27, 2014
In season 6 episode 3 of Afropop: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange, titled War Don Don, viewers are taken on a journey to Freetown, Sierra Leone to uncover the aftermath and legal implications of the country's civil war. The episode follows the story of Issa Sesay, a former military commander of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), whose trial was underway at the time of filming.
Sesay's trial was a landmark case at the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the first war crimes court to be set up by the United Nations. The charges against Sesay included crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. The documentary delves into the complexities of his case and the legal implications of prosecuting individuals for crimes committed during times of armed conflict.
The episode also explores the wider impact of the war on Sierra Leonean society, including the use of child soldiers, the role of women in the conflict, and the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction. Through heart-wrenching personal stories and interviews with key figures involved in the peace process, War Don Don offers a unique insight into the country's history and the lingering effects of the war on its people.
One of the most striking themes of the episode is the role of the media in shaping public opinion and perceptions of justice. The filmmakers highlight how the sensationalized reporting of the trial by international media outlets often overshadowed the complexities of the case and the broader issues at stake. The documentary challenges viewers to question their own assumptions about justice and accountability in the context of conflict and to consider the implications of the international community's efforts to bring war criminals to justice.
Ultimately, War Don Don is a powerful testament to the resilience of the Sierra Leonean people in the face of tremendous adversity. The episode sheds light on the ongoing struggles for justice and reconciliation in the country and highlights the importance of continued engagement with the legacies of conflict and violence around the world.
