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
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.