Bureh

Bureh is a surname of Sierra Leonean origin. The name is most commonly associated with Bai Bureh, a Temne chieftain and one of the most prominent anti-colonial figures in Sierra Leone’s history.

Bai Bureh was born circa 1840 in the area that would become Sierra Leone. Little is documented about his early life, but he emerged as a respected leader within Temne political and military structures. In 1898, during British colonial rule, the Hut Tax War broke out as authorities imposed a hut tax and other measures. Bai Bureh led organized resistance in the northern provinces, coordinating fighters and supporters who opposed the taxation and disruption of traditional life. The conflict is remembered as one of the major anti-colonial uprisings in West Africa. The rebellion was eventually suppressed by colonial forces, and Bureh and his followers faced capture or displacement. He was exiled by the British to the Seychelles for a period before returning to Sierra Leone in the early 20th century.

Legacy: Bai Bureh remains a central figure in Sierra Leonean history and is widely regarded as a symbol of resistance to colonial rule. His legacy is taught in schools and he is commemorated in various cultural references and discussions of Sierra Leone’s past. The Bureh surname continues to be used by descendants and other individuals in Sierra Leone and the broader region.