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
Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger to Launch Passports Under New Alliance
Mali says the Alliance of Sahel States comprising itself, Burkina Faso, and Niger, will introduce new biometric passports to reflect the new union as part of their withdrawal from a West African bloc in favor of a new Sahel alliance after military leaders seized power in all three countries.
ReutersMali says the Alliance of Sahel States comprising itself, Burkina Faso, and Niger, will introduce new biometric passports to reflect the new union as part of their withdrawal from a West African bloc in favor of a new Sahel alliance after military leaders seized power in all three countries.
TRT AFRIKA
15 Sep 2024
UPDATE: Three countries cut ties with ECOWAS
“PRESS RELEASE: Withdrawal of Burkina Faso-Mali-Niger from ECOWAS.”
In early 2024, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso formally applied to withdraw from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. / Photo: Reuters
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will introduce new biometric passports as part of their withdrawal from a West African bloc in favor of a new Sahel alliance after military leaders seized power in all three countries, Mali's leader said on Sunday.
The three junta-led Sahel neighbors jointly announced in January they would leave the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has sought to persuade them to reconsider their decision.
Burkina Faso announced earlier this month that it was rolling out new passports without the ECOWAS logo.
"In the coming days, a new biometric passport of the AES (Alliance of Sahel States) will be put into circulation with the aim of harmonizing travel documents in our common area and facilitating the mobility of our citizens throughout the world", Malian junta leader Assimi Goita announced on Sunday evening.
Shared information channel
He spoke ahead of a meeting on Monday between the three countries' foreign ministers on the anniversary of the decision to form their own alliance.
Goita also said they were planning to launch a shared information channel "in order to promote a harmonious dissemination of information in our three states."
ECOWAS has warned that the three countries' withdrawal would undermine the freedom of movement and common market of the 400 million people living in the 49-year-old bloc.
Their departure comes as their armies battle armed groups, whose insurgencies have destabilized the region over the past decade and threatened to spill over into coastal West African states.
Reuters