By Amin Kef (Ranger)
As Alhaji Musa Tarawally rolls out MT Agenda 2028, it is but imperative for a deep dive to be taken into the diverse background and political career of this public dinosaur in order to gain a proper insight into his calibre, journey in life, politics, his indelible imprints and the contributions he has now set himself to impact on the political landscape of Sierra Leone that will touch many lives in meaningful ways.
In a remarkable tale of political ascent, Alhaji Musa Tarawally’s journey from his humble beginnings in Salina, Kaiyamba Chiefdom, to his pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s political landscape is one marked by dedication, strategic acumen and a deep commitment to service.
Born to a diverse heritage, Alhaji Musa Tarawally’s familial roots stretch across various regions of Sierra Leone. His mother, hailing from the Mende lineage of the Kpanda/Ngakui family in Fakunya chiefdom and the Jonjo family of Salina in Moyamba, contrasts with his father’s Mandingo background from Moyamba. Moreover, his grandparents’ origins span from Kambia’s Pa Foday Tarawally to Limba territories in Bumban, Bombali district, and Sandor chiefdom in Kono.
Educated in Moyamba and Kenema, his passion for serving his nation led him into politics, where he aligned himself with the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), driven by his family’s historical involvement in its formation.
His rise within the SLPP ranks was swift and significant. From serving as Moyamba district’s Young Generation Leader to ultimately representing the district as a Member of Parliament, Alhaji Musa Tarawally’s commitment to his constituents and party ideals remained unwavering.
His political trajectory took a notable turn when President Ernest Bai Koroma appointed him as Resident Minister in the South in 2007, recognizing his competence and dedication. Tarawally’s stellar performance in this role earned him subsequent appointments as Minister of Internal Affairs and later Minister of Lands, Country Planning, and Environment.
During the lead-up to the 2018 elections, as fissures within the SLPP threatened its unity, he demonstrated his political astuteness by foreseeing the need to safeguard the party’s interests. In a bold move, he contested the presidency under the ticket of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDP), strategically positioning himself to support President Bio in the event of a runoff election. This calculated strategy proved instrumental in securing victory for the Bio-led SLPP government.
Following the election, Alhaji Musa Tarawally’s gracefully folded his CDP presidential ambitions, reaffirming his allegiance to the SLPP. He assumed the role of Grand Chief Patron, cementing his place as a dedicated party member.
His vision for national unity is deeply rooted in his extensive familial ties across Sierra Leone. From Kambia to Makeni, Kabala to Kailahun, his connections span the length and breadth of the nation, offering a unique platform for fostering cohesion and inclusivity.
As Sierra Leone navigates its path forward, Alhaji Musa Tarawally stands as a beacon of resilience, wisdom, and unity—a testament to the power of humble beginnings and unwavering dedication to the betterment of one’s nation.
