They Were Simply Doing Their Jobs

ICASL cleared both the Former Auditor-General and her Deputy of wrongdoing. The Auditor-General, Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce, and the Deputy Auditor-General, Mr. Tamba Momoh of the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), were simply doing their jobs.

Suspended Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her Deputy, Mr. Tamba Momoh

According to the ICASL, Mrs. Taylor-Pearce and Mr. Momoh "acted in the public's best interest, upheld professional standards, and adhered to international auditing standards and guidelines."

Key Takeaways

• Statement from the ICASL Review Board: "They were fully committed to their responsibilities and executed their roles with integrity."
• Former Auditor-General Mrs. Taylor-Pearce and her Deputy Mr. Tamba Momoh "acted in the public's best interest."
• The ICASL review adhered to internationally recognized auditing standards specifically the International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI), ensuring transparency and credibility.

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The Tribunal’s interpretation reports reflect a lack of understanding of standard audit procedures.

Auditor-General Responds to Tribunal Report Raises Concerns Over Findings and Process

Many Sierra Leoneans were deeply troubled by the President's recommendation to remove from office the suspended Auditor General, Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her deputy, Tamba Momoh. This decision is being criticized for lacking legitimacy and ignited significant public outrage.

Deception in Politics: President Bio Orders Removal of Suspended Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her Deputy, Tamba Momoh

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The statement further clarified that there were "no instances of professional misconduct or ethical breaches as outlined in the ICASL Code of Ethics and INTOSAI’s standards."

The ICASL review was guided by international auditing standards, including the International Standards on Auditing (ISA), the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI), the ICASL Code of Ethics, and the Sierra Leone Audit Service Act of 2014.

ICASL Investigation Committee Report

With Parliament preparing to discuss President Bio’s support for the tribunal’s recommendations, the ICASL’s statement could significantly influence public discourse regarding the integrity of Sierra Leone’s accountability institutions.

Theo Edwards for YAME

From Council Flat to Chaos: How a Londoner Became President of Sierra Leone, and Why It Was Doomed from the Start

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.