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
Sierra Leone: 63 Years of Abject Failure and the Endless Cycle of Loans
A legacy of visionless leadership and perpetual dependency. Another loan. Another press release. Another moment for Sierra Leone’s so-called leaders to pat themselves on the back while the nation sinks deeper into poverty. The World Bank just approved an $80 million financing package for Sierra Leone — $60 million for budget support and $20 million to prepare for natural disasters. And we’re supposed to celebrate? —enough is enough.
By Reggie Cole — December 14, 2024
A legacy of visionless leadership and perpetual dependency
—enough is enough
By Reggie Cole | December 14, 2024Another loan. Another press release. Another moment for Sierra Leone’s so-called leaders to pat themselves on the back while the nation sinks deeper into poverty. The World Bank just approved an $80 million financing package for Sierra Leone — $60 million for budget support and $20 million to prepare for natural disasters. And we’re supposed to celebrate?
No, this is an indictment of 63 years of abject failure, incompetence, and corruption by both the APC and SLPP.
In a country with 44 minerals, 7 rivers, and arable land that could make us the breadbasket of West Africa, we are borrowing to pay wages.
This is the legacy of these two political parties — a legacy of visionless leadership and perpetual dependency.
Let’s not pretend that natural disasters or pandemics are the root cause of our economic misery. The real culprits are the policy missteps, corruption, and lack of innovation from those in power.
I started a business from my children’s bedroom with a £100,000 loan. Within 36 months, I paid back the lender £1 million, and that business grew to a valuation of £120 million. That’s called vision, hard work, and accountability. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone — a nation blessed with immense natural wealth — has leaders who can’t even keep the lights on without running to the World Bank or IMF, cap in hand.
What kind of foolishness is this?
How can a country with so many resources and potential be reduced to begging for $80 million to survive? This isn’t just incompetence; it’s a national disgrace. While our politicians hoard wealth in foreign mansions and send their children to elite schools overseas, the average Sierra Leonean endures misery, poor infrastructure, and a stagnant economy. The people are robbed blind, yet still wave flags for these failed parties.
APC and SLPP supporters, listen up
If you continue to endorse these thieves, you deserve every struggle you face. Your loyalty is being weaponized against you. Your future is being auctioned off to international lenders who care nothing for your well-being. This is what happens when visionless leaders are allowed to rule unchecked — they trade your prosperity for their personal comfort.
Sierra Leone’s potential is limitless, but until we reject this cycle of corruption, tribalism, and short-term thinking, we will remain beggars at the global table. The answer isn’t another loan or another IMF program. The answer is visionary leadership that can turn our resources into wealth, our potential into prosperity, and our struggles into success.
It’s time to say enough is enough. Sierra Leone doesn’t need another loan — it needs leaders with courage, integrity, and a plan for genuine growth. Until then, expect more loans, more poverty, and more disappointment.
#Lonta!
The Recently Collapsed Structures at Kissy Shell And Others
The recently collapsed structures at Kissy Shell as well as past incidents, require urgent attention. This is a multiple occupancy building, and there is a standard process for approving such structures in most countries around the world.
Courtesy: Victor Ako Mengot
A systematic approach to building control and the granting of building permits
September 16, 2024
Salone needs a regulatory body to look at the building code and building materials that are being sold to home builders. Sierra Leone hasn’t had any form of structural governing body since the 80s.
Courtesy: Victor Ako MengotThe recently collapsed structures at Kissy Shell as well as past incidents, require urgent attention.
This is a multiple occupancy building, and there is a standard process for approving such structures in most countries around the world.
This should be done through a multi-agency approach considering the mandate of relevant institutions in Sierra Leone as a case study example.
INSTITUTIONAL MANDATE
Local Government (FCC) to ensure that it conforms with the City Structure Plan (if there is any); building use classes order; and issues relating to waste management.
SLRA - accessibility to avoid encroachment in the Right of Way.
Ministry of Lands - issues relating to building plans/permits and development control.
National Fire Service - use of non-combustible materials, etc.
EDSA - matters relating to the quality of cabling materials and wiring of the building.
SLRSA/FCC - parking management.
Some building owners cut corners (put for me) or rush to get these building constructions up just to cash in.
THE PROCESS
How should it be done.
Submission of building plan to the Ministry of Lands. This function can be devolved to local government. This is the application for a building permit.
Search for the ownership of the plot, including the conveyance document.
Site inspection by building/development control Inspectors.
Contact property owners in the immediate vicinity to check that the structure would not have adverse effects on surrounding properties.
Guma Valley - access to the water grid and issues to do with the drainage system to prevent pollution of the water grid.
Granting of building permits subject to periodic checks after construction by building inspectors; Fire service; local council officials (waste management during construction); and Electrical Engineers (EDSA).
Certification by the Lands Ministry that the building is fit for occupancy.
“REQUIRE URGENT ATTENTION! A systematic approach is necessary to building control and the granting of building permits. Too many collapsed structures and deaths of innocent people.”
“HOW THINGS FELL APART”
Freetown is the first planned city in West Africa, developed using a grid system for 250,000 inhabitants. It had forest reserve areas, zoning of buildings for various socio-economic activities, and effective city and rural administration. Flashback to the Wellington Industrial Estate and the emergence of the ‘Bomeh’ waste disposal site.
The FCC had a Planning and Building Control Directorate, City Engineers Department, and Sanitary Division (environmental protection). Over the years, politics rendered local government dysfunctional.
Population explosion also led to unplanned settlement in areas like Dworzac; Sorie Tong, which was a reserved FBC botanical preservation area, Kamayama; Kuntolor, etc. Not to talk about encroachment in the Hills and Valleys that now echoing our cry.
We have all these bylaws and policies/plans in our archives that made Freetown a liveable city. FCC was even providing loans for housing I.e., to replace houses with thatched roofs (bamboo-ose). This brought about the introduction of houses on stilts (long fut-ose).
The rationale for this is that the owner will later build accommodation for rent at the bottom. As we say in Krio nar landlord for dae nar up garret.
My simple message is in Krio: “If we nor noe usai we dae go, leh we noe usai we comot.” Lonta!
Freetown City Council (FCC) By-Laws: Any person(s) who contravenes these provisions commits an offense and shall be liable.
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.