Sierra Leone is an Open Casino Now
On Friday, December 20, 2024, our nation experienced a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. They [Members of Parliament] swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, promote democratic accountability, and safeguard the institutions vital for transparency. Yet, in a collective failure, members of parliament let down the people of Sierra Leone.
Theo Edwards for YAME
The removal of the Auditor General Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce
On Friday, December 20, 2024, our nation experienced a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. The Members of Parliament swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, promote democratic accountability, and safeguard the institutions vital for transparency, in a collective failure, they let down the people of Sierra Leone.
Governance in Sierra Leone is strongly influenced by political ideology and party loyalty rather than a strict commitment to ethical principles. Institutions are seen as tools for political agendas and lack the commitment to uphold democratic principles even amid challenges.
“A Tribute to Lara Taylor-Pearce: An Enigma and Role Model to Sierra Leone”
The two dominant pillars of our political framework have solidified ethno-regional divides, leading to political loyalty that prioritizes ethnicity and regional identity over the quality of policy and governance.
A proverb/parable in Krio ‘Yu fohdohn foh mi, a fohdohn for yu,’ in parallel.
If you are too afraid to call things by their real names, you should take a moment to reflect on why you lack the courage to do so. When injustices prevail in society, grievances become widespread and unavoidable. Those with reason and integrity must step forward and tackle these issues, shedding light on the manipulation of power that fuels them.
It would seem that government-appointed officials now have the winning hand. With oversight institutions weakened, corruption emboldened, and accountability sidelined, Sierra Leone risks sinking further into uncertainty.
Sierra Leone has become an open casino
Citizens must have the courage to question the fundamental credibility of their parliamentary representatives, without fear of political backlash.
How can we claim to value integrity and credibility when the very jurists and Members of Parliament—especially those entangled in serious corruption scandals—are the very ones positioned to dismiss the auditor general who bravely exposed misappropriations tied to travel expenses? This alarming reality calls into question their genuine commitment to accountability and justice.
Transparency is vital for maintaining trust in institutions and agencies. It serves as a strong deterrent against corrupt behavior. When processes are open and verifiable, they not only demonstrate institutional integrity but also strengthen public trust in these entities.
Lara, you've done SaLone well and made us proud. Your diligence has helped to further expose the ills of our elected government officials and entitled you to a crown from the Lord and the world at large. Go on and continue to conquer. YOU ARE A WINNER!
Theo Edwards for YAME
Auditor-General Responds to Tribunal Report, Raises Concerns Over Findings and Process
The Tribunal’s interpretation of these drafts as separate reports reflects a lack of understanding of standard audit procedures. She described the Tribunal's fundamental misunderstanding of the audit processes within the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL). The Tribunal claimed two separate reports were prepared for the same audit, a conclusion Taylor-Pearce refuted as misleading. She explained that draft reports are typically prepared by audit teams and reviewed by the Deputy Auditor-General before the final report is signed off.
Article by @sierraeyesalone
The Tribunal’s interpretation of these drafts as separate reports reflects a lack of understanding of standard audit procedures.
Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce
She described the Tribunal's fundamental misunderstanding of the audit processes within the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL). The Tribunal claimed two separate reports were prepared for the same audit, a conclusion Taylor-Pearce refuted as misleading. She explained that draft reports are typically prepared by audit teams and reviewed by the Deputy Auditor-General before the final report is signed off.
Article by @sierraeyesaloneIn a detailed statement dated September 3, 2024, suspended Auditor-General Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce has raised significant concerns regarding the findings of the Tribunal that investigated her and former Deputy Auditor-General, Mr. Tamba Momoh. The report, which was circulated on social media on August 29, 2024, has prompted Mrs. Taylor-Pearce to clarify several key points related to the audit process and the Tribunal's conclusions.
Mrs. Taylor-Pearce expressed surprise and disappointment over the Tribunal's handling of the evidence and the conclusions drawn. She highlighted that the audit of the Office of the President was a compliance audit, not a financial statement audit, and that the third-party confirmations referenced by the Tribunal were misapplied. According to Taylor-Pearce, the standards for compliance audits differ from those for financial audits, a distinction that the Tribunal seemingly failed to appreciate.
She pointed out that the Tribunal preferred the testimony of a state witness, despite the lack of supporting evidence or regulatory basis for his assertions. In contrast, the Tribunal dismissed the testimony of an international public sector audit expert, whose credentials and experience far exceeded those of the state’s witnesses. This expert's testimony, which was central to the defense, was largely ignored in the Tribunal’s final report.
Mrs. Taylor-Pearce also addressed what she described as a fundamental misunderstanding by the Tribunal of the audit processes within the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL). The Tribunal claimed there were two separate reports prepared for the same audit, a conclusion Taylor-Pearce refuted as misleading. She explained that draft reports are typically prepared by audit teams and reviewed by the Deputy Auditor-General before the final report is signed off. The Tribunal’s interpretation of these drafts as separate reports reflects a lack of understanding of standard audit procedures, she asserted.
Regarding the performance audit of the Freetown City Council (FCC), Mrs. Taylor-Pearce described the evidence presented by state witnesses as "baseless, unfounded, and untruthful." She criticized the Tribunal for accepting a narrative that contradicted the established chain of command and procedures within the ASSL, noting that the correct communication channels were bypassed in the witness testimonies.
Mrs. Taylor-Pearce addressed the Tribunal’s findings on conflict of interest and breach of confidentiality, both of which she categorically denied. She clarified that no conflict of interest existed, as she had no close or immediate family relationships with any parties involved in the audits in question. Regarding confidentiality, she explained that the third-party authentication requests were handled in accordance with professional standards, and there was no breach of confidentiality as the letters did not disclose any specific details of the auditee.
In closing, Mrs. Taylor-Pearce questioned the Tribunal’s overall conclusions, given that no direct evidence of wrongdoing or misconduct on her part was presented during the hearings. She reiterated her commitment to upholding the highest standards of public sector auditing and expressed concern that the Tribunal’s findings could undermine the future of independent public sector auditing in #SierraLeone.
Taylor-Pearce also thanked her legal team, led by Mr. Rowland S. V. Wright, as well as her colleagues, family, and supporters for their continued support throughout the process.
From Council Flat to Chaos: How a Londoner Became President of Sierra Leone, and Why It Was Doomed from the Start
A Disconnect from Sierra Leone's Reality. A man who lived in a London council flat for 22 years, unemployed and seemingly disconnected from the everyday struggles of making ends meet, somehow rises to become the President of Sierra Leone. You cannot lead a country into prosperity with a complete disconnect from its history and problems.
By Reggie Cole | 24th August 2024"Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown."
Who the cap fits, let HIM/HER wear it!
By Reggie Cole | 24th August 2024
A Disconnect from Sierra Leone's Reality. A man who lived in a London council flat for 22 years, unemployed and seemingly disconnected from the everyday struggles of making ends meet, somehow rises to become the President of Sierra Leone.
Imagine this: a man who lived in a London council flat for 22 years, unemployed and seemingly disconnected from the everyday struggles of making ends meet, somehow rises to become the President of Sierra Leone.
At first glance, it sounds like a modern fairy tale—a story of unlikely triumph. But what has followed is anything but a fairy tale. Today, the country finds itself in chaos—economically crippled, politically fractured, and socially volatile. How did we get here, and why was this outcome so predictable?
A Disconnect from Sierra Leone's Reality
Sierra Leone Political Map — Dstrict and Chiefdoms — Source: Statistics SL
For over two decades, this individual was living far away from the streets of Freetown, instead experiencing life in London—specifically, in a council flat funded by the UK welfare system. Now, this is not to undermine the struggles of anyone who has faced unemployment or economic hardship. However, governing a nation like Sierra Leone demands more than sympathy—it demands acute, hands-on knowledge of the country’s unique struggles.
The Sierra Leonean people suffer daily from failing infrastructure, chronic poverty, and a devastating history of corruption and tribalism. How can someone who spent years unemployed in a foreign country, insulated from these issues, have any real understanding of the realities facing the ordinary Sierra Leonean? Leadership isn’t something you can grasp from afar. It requires being on the ground, living the struggles, and engaging deeply with the people. This individual’s detachment from these issues left him unprepared to govern effectively.
Lack of Leadership Experience
Leadership, especially on a national level, requires years of experience, decision-making skills, and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues. For someone who has been unemployed for over 20 years, the lack of experience in managing even small teams or resources should be a red flag, let alone handling a nation. Running a country like Sierra Leone demands a grasp of everything from economic policy to social justice, international diplomacy to healthcare reform. This role is no place for someone learning on the job. Yet, here we are, watching the country spiral into chaos because of a profound lack of preparedness in the highest office.
Misalignment with the People
Being detached from Sierra Leone for so long, this individual could not possibly understand the heartbeat of the nation. Sierra Leone is a complex country with deep-rooted tribalism, economic hardships, and a fragile political structure. The people’s needs are diverse and urgent: better healthcare, education, reliable infrastructure, and jobs. A leader without intimate knowledge of these realities is bound to be misaligned with the needs of the people. Governance requires connection and empathy—qualities best fostered by living among and understanding the people you aim to serve. In this case, living abroad for decades only created a massive gulf between the leader and the nation.
National Stability Requires Expertise
The truth is simple: governance requires expertise, not just in politics but also in economics, law, and social reform. An inexperienced leader is bound to make critical missteps. Running a country is not like running a household—it requires a strategic approach to problem-solving, international diplomacy, and an understanding of complex systems. When someone with little to no relevant experience steps into such a role, chaos is inevitable. And today, that chaos is Sierra Leone’s reality.
The Predictable Downfall
In the end, Sierra Leone’s current predicament was predictable from the start.
You cannot lead a country into prosperity with a complete disconnect from its history and problems, nor can you tackle tribalism, poverty, and corruption without a deep understanding of the fabric of the nation. Sierra Leone deserved better leadership—leadership rooted in knowledge, experience, and a genuine connection with its people.
What we are seeing today is the consequence of placing an unprepared individual in a position of immense power. The lesson for all of us is clear: leadership matters, and in a country as fragile as Sierra Leone, it’s not something we can afford to get wrong.
A Few More Points on Africa And The Rotating Presidency of The United Nations Security Council
Being on the UN Security Council has nothing to do with any so-called unique status that Sierra Leone holds at the UN, neither has it anything to do with Maada Bio and SLPP’s leadership credentials. Maada Bio and his brigade wanted to pretend that Sierra Leone was the first African country to be at the UN Security Council.
By Chernoh Alpha M. Bah — Africanist Press
August 2024
"Being on the UN Security Council has nothing to do with any so-called unique status that Sierra Leone holds at the UN, neither has it anything to do with Maada Bio and SLPP’s leadership credentials" ~ Chernoh Alpha M. Bah — Africanist Press.
The presidency of the Council is held by each of the members in turn for one month, following the English alphabetical order of the Member States names.
By Chernoh Alpha M. Bah — Africanist PressHere are the points:
A few days ago, we published historical data showing that being on the Security Council and sharing the one-month presidency of the Council is a normal ritual among UN member states. Being on the UN Security Council has nothing to do with any so-called unique status that Sierra Leone holds at the UN, neither has it anything to do with Maada Bio and SLPP’s leadership credentials.
The presidency of the Council is held by each of the members in turn for one month, following the English alphabetical order of the Member States names.
Since 1946, African countries have served as presidents of the UN Security Council for a total of 141 times. This includes countries that are led by dictators of all descriptions. Mozambique is the latest African country that recently served a term in May 2024. They presided over Security Council meetings with a monthly program that had far more events than the current August program that Sierra Leone is moderating.
You didn’t get to hear any noise about Mozambique at the Security Council in May 2024 from Maada Bio and his brigade because they wanted to pretend that Sierra Leone was in fact the first African country to be at the UN Security Council. They also want you to believe that Maada Bio is the only African president that is presiding over a UN Security Council meeting. All the propaganda and deception around the UN Security Council is being executed by the Bio brigade and its allies in a desperate effort to legitimize Bio’s already troubled hijacking of state power in Sierra Leone following the controversial June 2023 elections.
In fact, in the 141 times that African countries have been on the Security Council, the meetings were MOSTLY and ALMOST always chaired by either the designated Permanent Representatives to the United Nations of the said countries, or in certain cases, the countries are represented by their foreign ministers. The presidents of such countries seldomly attend these ritualized rotating proceedings.
Over the years, a few African dictators (mostly politicians with troubled political situations in their countries) have in some cases hijacked the rotating UN Security Council presidential role from their Ambassadors or foreign ministers, and choose to play president of the Security Council for one session or more sessions of talk shows during the tenures of their countries at the Security Council. These African dictators that joined Security Council talk shows in recent years include Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast in December 2018, Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo in February 2019, and Blaise Campaore of Burkina Faso in September 2008. Maada Bio of Sierra Leone is the latest African politician with a questionable presidential legitimacy to join this list of African dictators who likewise trooped to the Security Council with the intent of laundering soiled presidential legitimacies.
Chernoh Alpha M. Bah — Africanist Press
To further illustrate this, let us take the case of Ivory Coast’s Alhassane Ouattara who presided over the Security Council talk show in December 2018, and in December 2020, he enthroned himself as a third term president in Ivory Coast. His colleague and friend, Blaise Campaore had earlier led the Security Council talk show in September 2008, and in 2010, he also controversially declared himself president following a sham of an election. Few years later, Campaore then tried to amend the country’s constitution to extend his 27-year dictatorship but he was eventually kicked out of power by the young people of Burkina Faso in 2014.
These are just the few examples of the handful of African dictators who saw the Security Council rotating presidency as a launchpad to legitimize and advance authoritarianism in Africa.
But among the few African dictators who hijacked the roles of their foreign ministers or ambassadors to play the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, Maada Bio of Sierra Leone is the least developed by all standards of measurement. Maada Bio can’t fluently read a written script; Bio is the least sophisticated among Africa’s dictators; and Bio is also the least exposed intellectually and politically.
I will stop here for now until there is a need to further correct the amateur propaganda of the Maada Bio brigade and it’s vacillating allies within the rank opportunists of the compromised opposition in Sierra Leone.
Few days ago, we circulated the list of African countries that have presided over the Security Council since 1946. The list includes the names of people who represented their individual countries during the one month presidential tenures of their countries.
We encourage you to read the list and check the records to see who among Africa’s presidents have used their tax-payers money to blow the loud empty trumpets at the UN Security Council over the years. Then also check the political and economic records of those politicians in their countries, and the political and social upheavals that followed their tenures at the Security Council.
Knowing the past is essential to knowing the present, and to potentially plan for the future.
The list of African countries at the UN Security Council has been circulated on the Africanist Press WhatsApp Forums. Feel free to circulate the list.
President Bio Spent Over Le832 Billion in 5 Years
President Bio, who once touted his anti-corruption efforts when he first took office, has proven to be the most corrupt leader in our country's history. Sierra Leoneans cannot idly stand by and allow these corrupt individuals to undermine and damage our nation.
Embrace the NEW DIRECTION—
July 18, 2024
Over US$470 million (four-hundred-seventy million United States dollars at the current exchange rate.)
“Corruption Undermines Social Development and Stymied Inclusive Economic Growth.”
President Bio, who once touted his anti-corruption efforts when he first took office, has proven to be the most corrupt leader in our country's history. Sierra Leoneans cannot idly stand by and allow these corrupt individuals to undermine and damage our nation.
Embrace the NEW DIRECTION—
Thomas Dixon on 'X' formerly TwitterIf you are wondering why the respected Auditor General Lara Taylor-Pearce and her Deputy Tamba Momoh were recommended to be removed from their position by a “Kangaroo” Tribunal, you must follow the expenses of President Bio under various names.
State House and Lodge Expenses for 5 years is almost Le400B, and then you have Expenses Office of the President, which is also a little over 400 billion.
What comes to mind is what is the difference between State House & State Lodge Expenses and that of the Expenses Office of the President???
It didn’t end there. There is what is called the special warrant office of the President, which is over Le50B.
These figures don’t include the over $28M, the Govt of President Bio spent on overseas traveling.
It could be recalled that in 2019 a Finance Act was sent to Parliament which had a clause that money to the President should be unchecked and unaudited but for the hue and cry of the people, it didn’t stand.
Sierra Leoneans are still waiting for the contended tribunal report on the Auditor General to be made public.
RELATED
Sierra Leoneans are still waiting for the contended tribunal report on the Auditor General to be made public.
Response to Press Release from State House dated Tuesday, 9th July, 2024 — Lara Taylor-Pearce(Mrs.)
Lara Taylor-Pearce(Mrs.); Former Auditor General, Sierra Leone
Response to Press Release from State House
Response to Press Release from State House dated Tuesday, 9th July, 2024 — Tamba Momoh
Tamba Momoh; Former Deputy Auditor General, Sierra Leone
Response to Press Release from State House
Many Sierra Leoneans are deeply troubled by the President's recent recommendation to remove from office the suspended Auditor General, Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her deputy, Tamba Momoh. This decision is being widely criticized for lacking legitimacy and has ignited significant public outrage.
“Helen Clark, the former New Zealand Prime Minister, and UNDP Administrator, also the Ad Global Ambassador for Supreme Audit Institution Independence appointed by #Intosai Donor Co-operation”
Helen Clark, the former New Zealand Prime Minister, and UNDP Administrator, also the Ad Global Ambassador for Supreme Audit Institution Independence appointed by #Intosai Donor Co-operation
Helen Clark IDC Goodwill Ambassador for SAI Independence — The INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation
"I am shocked to learn that the #SierraLeone Government is moving to remove the Auditor General and Deputy Auditor General from office.
No valid reason has been given for this extraordinary move. These senior officials must have statutory independence to fulfill their important functions of holding governments to account and scrutinizing the use of public money.
These senior officials should not be subjected to arbitrary removal.
Parliament will now review the proposal to remove the AG. It should act in an independent way to review the matter, and not hesitate to oppose an unfounded request by the Government for the AG's removal. The Audit Service Board should also act independently in reviewing the proposal to remove the Deputy AG."
What are your thoughts on this?
Feel free to join the conversation by posting your comment! We encourage readers across the political spectrum to participate. We hold Space for everyone on YAME. yame[dot]space. You can post comments as anonymous /guest.
Time for a New Era
The call for change is not just a desire but a necessity if we're to break free from the shackles of the past and chart a new course for our nation. Let us heed this call and embrace the promise of a better tomorrow, with integrity and progress reigning supreme. In the heart of Sierra Leone's political landscape lies a deep-seated yearning for change. Far too long, our nation has been held hostage by the grip of aging politicians who have failed to deliver on their promises and have instead perpetuated a cycle of despair and disillusionment.
Op-Ed: Alpha Amadu Jalloh (The FOX: Sierra Leone Telegraph: 12 March 2024
Sierra Leone call to replace old politicians with fresh faces —
Op—Ed
The power to shape our destiny lies in our hands. Let us not squander the opportunity for change. But seize it with both hands and forge a path towards a brighter future for generations to come.
In the heart of Sierra Leone's political landscape lies a deep-seated yearning for change. Far too long, our nation has been held hostage by the grip of aging politicians who have failed to deliver on their promises and have instead perpetuated a cycle of despair and disillusionment.
Time for a new chapter, a chapter, written by the hands of the young and genuine, who possess the vigor and integrity to lead our country forward.
The Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and the All Peoples Congress (APC), two pillars of our political framework, have long been dominated by the same faces. Faces that have become synonymous with stagnation and corruption.
Politicians, who have been entrenched in power for decades, have grown out of touch with the aspirations and needs of the people they are meant to serve. Their presence has stifled innovation and progress, leaving our nation languishing in the shadows of its potential.
As Sierra Leoneans, we must come to terms with the reality that the status quo is no longer acceptable. We cannot continue to allow our future to be dictated by those who have failed us time and again. The time has come for the old guard to step aside and make room for fresh perspectives and untainted ideals.
It is undeniable that Sierra Leone is blessed with a wealth of young talent and genuine individuals who possess the passion and dedication to bring about real change. These are the voices that deserve to be heard. The voices that can breathe new life into our political landscape and usher in an era of prosperity and progress for all.
However, the path to change will not be easy. The entrenched interests of the old guard will undoubtedly resist any attempts to loosen their grip on power. But we, the people of Sierra Leone, must stand firm in our resolve and demand accountability from those who claim to represent us.
We must reject the notion that politics is a game reserved for the elite few, and instead embrace a more inclusive and representative democracy. Every Sierra Leonean deserves a seat at the table, and only by working together, that we can overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
The time for complacency is over. We must seize the moment, as an opportunity to redefine our nation’s destiny and reclaim our rightful place among the community of nations. Let us come together, young and old, to build a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans.
Finally, the call for change is not just a desire, but a necessity if we are to break free from the shackles of the past and chart a new course for our nation. Let us heed this call and embrace the promise of a better tomorrow, with integrity and progress reigning supreme.
Sierra Leoneans, the power to shape our destiny lies in our hands. Let us not squander this opportunity for change but rather seize it with both hands and forge a path towards a brighter future for generations to come.
Source: Op-Ed: Abdul Rashid Thomas | Alpha Amadu Jalloh (The FOX: Sierra Leone Telegraph: 12 March 2024
Related
“We asked for little, but so much is taken away from us. People had hopes ‘Here comes our Robin Hood,’ instead, it turned out to be Animal Farm.”
Now, these statements are more relevant than when he says them.
The Paran Affair
A Microcosm of Sierra Leone's Political Entitlement
How those in power—Napoleon and his fellow pigs—pervert the democratic process. An embedded narrative, in which the characters become the story. George Orwell, Animal Farm.
Animal Farm as Relates to Humans and Society
How those in power—Napoleon and his fellow pigs—pervert the democratic process. An embedded narrative, in which the characters become the story.
—power has swallowed politicians’ common sense