Sierra Leone: Small Country, Massive Suffering

How did it all fall apart?

By Theo Edwards

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Bad economy, no electricity, fraud and corruption, poor infrastructure, poor water supply, youth unemployment, the rampant abuse of Kush, and the rise in crime.

Every blessed day, you will find something to be outraged about.

It pains like-minded Sierra Leoneans to see the stark contrast between the envisioned utopia and the grim reality in Mama Salone, a land abundant with many God-given natural resources. 

Our so-called educated elite, leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures have all become agents of our demise, poisoning the well of our collective aspirations. 

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States once said, ‘…nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s true character, give him power.’ Power reveals dishonesty, greed, corruption, and unqualified functionaries in us.

Power consumes one’s ability to use common sense

Sierra Leone has manifested itself into tribal and regional affiliations that have become barriers to meaningful collaboration.

Regrettably, these divisions of tribalism extend to the leadership and various governmental institutions. The specter of politics and political affiliations looms large and appears more important than national interest.

Positions on national issues are based entirely on convenience and not deeply on how things appear good or bad or how we want to hold people in power accountable but on who we try to protect based on affiliation or connections.

Politicians don't give a dam! Not until we Sierra Leoneans treat each other with dignity and value the life of everyone nothing will ever change.

No transparency or accountability oversight. The very essence of democracy

The two sides of our political framework follow the same road. And they both wind up in the same place every single time.

Transparency is an absolute necessity for achieving accountability in any democratic system. It is only when those in power are held responsible for their actions that trust can exist between the government and its citizens. Without transparency and accountability, the government can easily become corrupt and abuse its power, leading to a breakdown of trust and a loss of faith in the entire system.

The pursuit of power has blinded many politicians to the basic needs of humanity, leading to a decline in the quality of life for the general public. The obsession with gaining and maintaining power has consumed the ability to use common sense and make decisions that benefit constituents. As a result, basic needs like access to clean water, healthcare, education, and infrastructure are being neglected, while those in power focus on their self-interests.

READ: ‘Absolute disgrace:’ State institutions are not working as they ought

This selfish behavior not only harms the nation but also weakens the fabric of society as a whole.

It's been sixty-three long years since our independence on April 27, 1961, and yet we still find ourselves trapped in the shackles of mental slavery. Corruption, ignorance, and mismanagement continue to plague our society, serving as the hallmarks of power and control.

It is the sad reality, that despite our freedom, we have failed to break free from the chains that bind us and prevent us from reaching our true potential as a nation.

The people of Sierra Leone have long been asking for very little, but unfortunately, so much is taken away from them. The realities on the ground are all too real and paint a very sad picture

In societies that meet the academic definition of 'good governance,' the government is supposed to meet the needs of the people. However, in Sierra Leone, this is often not the case. Despite the best efforts of some, the needs of the people are often ignored, and their basic rights are frequently violated.

The Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and the All Peoples Congress (APC), the two pillars of our political framework, have long become synonymous with stagnation and corruption. The level of corruption runs in both directions creating an environment where crime and bribery flourish.

READ: When humanity succumbs to acts of greed and oppression, they are even less than animals

It's a tragic state of affairs and it's time for change. We need leaders who are committed. The time for our leaders to prioritize the needs of the people they serve and work together to create a better future for all. Through effective management of resources, and eliminating corruption, Sierra Leone can chart a sustainable path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Poverty and Uncertainty occupying the mind! In poverty-stricken societies, people are forced to make desperate choices just to survive. They are willing to eat from any plate, regardless of the source, because hunger knows no boundaries. They are willing to dance for political t-shirts not because they desire them, but because they need clothes to wear. It is appalling that we have allowed these issues to persist, ignoring them until election season when politicians use them to gain leverage. Let us not forget that these are real people with real struggles, not just pawns in a political game. 

It is time to take action and address these issues with urgency and compassion.

KUSH: Is not only the new face of Sierra Leone but also the new mineral of Sierra Leone. Disheartening!

Because of the enduring impact and the self-interest of our politicians, Sierra Leone has slid into a more dangerous territory due to the rampant abuse of KUSH. A drug that is quickly becoming the new face of addiction in the country. Those who turn to KUSH in search of relief are often met with devastating consequences leading to even worse problems than those it was intended to solve.

The side effects of drugs mixed with human bones called #Kush pic.twitter.com/bM5RlVbwgR

— House Of Happiness Sierra Leone (@HOHSIERRALEONE) April 8, 2024

The side-effect of kush mixed with human bone

Leadership

‘For, it would be useless to chase out the colonial rulers if the Africans who replaced them are just as greedy and ruthless ~Kwame Nkrumah.

As citizens, we only need to look around us to know where we are as a nation. We cannot allow the future of our generation to be sacrificed for the sake of those driven by their pursuit of wealth and political ambition.