By Ibrahim Sorie Dumbuya
In reflecting on the recent elections, it becomes evident that the predominant issue was not unemployment, inflation, or foreign policies, but rather the pervasive influence of hypocrisy in Sierra Leonean politics. While civilization and patriotism should have eradicated such insincerity, the specter of discrimination loomed large, perpetuated by certain political entities entrenched in despotic ideologies.
Campaigns often pivot on discriminatory tactics rather than addressing pressing concerns such as unemployment, foreign policy, and inflation. It is imperative that we condemn any actions that undermine our democracy and instead champion initiatives that foster its growth and development. Unfortunate ly, such principles seem neglected by both politicians and their supporters in Sierra Leonean politics.
This administration seems more inclined to assign blame for past shortcomings rather than take responsibility for the current economic challenges and chart a course for the future. Leadership devoid of vision tends to attribute failure to preceding systems, deflecting accountability. The alarming rise in unemployment can be attributed to ineffective policies and the politicization of critical issues. Had the government prioritized transparency and accountability, diligently implementing recommendations from audit reports, Sierra Leone might have averted its current economic predicament, languishing at the bottom of the GDP rankings.
Upon assuming office, the President declared a war on poverty, corruption, lawlessness, and indiscipline. Regrettably, these proclamations seem more celebratory than actionable. A glaring example is the case of journalist Sallieu Tejan Jalloh, who courageously investigated allegations of corruption involving a senior cabinet minister, only to face intimidation and arrest, undermining the purported anti-corruption stance of the government.
Further revelations of financial misconduct highlighted by the Africanist Press demonstrate a systemic pattern of corruption within government institutions. Despite these damning allegations, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the government have shown a lack of resolve in pursuing justice, opting instead to silence dissenting voices and bolster their political base with public funds.
The government’s indifference to the rampant corruption and poverty plaguing the nation is alarming. Despite the dwindling GDP growth, the administration continues to inflate the wage bill to reward party loyalists, exacerbating the economic strain. The proliferation of redundant ministries and agencies only compounds the inefficiency and waste plaguing governance.
Our Presidential Lodge, intended as a bastion of political discourse and development, has devolved into a frivolous social club, emblematic of the broader decay in governance. The census, meant to inform development initiatives, is cynically manipulated to consolidate political power rather than address the nation’s needs. Sierra Leone’s reputation is tarnished by pervasive corruption, escalating unemployment, and currency devaluation, pushing the nation perilously close to collapse.
It is imperative that we acknowledge these challenges and demand accountability from our leaders to steer the nation toward a path of genuine progress and prosperity.
