By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The year 2024 was undeniably a challenging one for the average Sierra Leonean. From soaring prices of essential goods to the harsh realities of daily life, the word that most often echoed on the lips of citizens was “hardship.” Terms such as “too expensive,” “corruption,” “untenable and unrealistic” also became part of the national lexicon, reflecting the palpable frustration felt by many. These words mirrored the struggles faced by the general populace as they grappled with rising costs of food, school fees and basic services, while also contending with exploitation from police and medical personnel. For countless citizens, the year seemed to make life feel almost unbearable.
However, it is important to note that 2024 was not all doom and gloom. Amid the adversity, there were several notable achievements. Sierra Leone, for instance, took on the prestigious role of chairing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) after years of anticipation, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for the country. Furthermore, the nation saw a growing interest from investors across various sectors, with some even signing agreements to invest in key areas of the economy. In addition, the introduction of Town Hall Meetings helped bridge the gap between the Government and the people, bringing greater transparency and engagement. Another remarkable achievement was the harvest of a large-scale farm by the President, which highlighted the potential for growth in Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector.
Security-wise, Sierra Leone remained resilient despite a major threat, the alleged regrouping of fugitives from the failed coup attempt in November 2023. The swift and decisive action of the nation’s security forces ensured that this potential threat was swiftly neutralized and any other security challenges were promptly addressed.
As we step into 2025, the average Sierra Leonean is looking for a marked improvement in their day-to-day realities. President Julius Maada Bio’s New Year’s Day address outlined a series of commitments that have sparked hope among the populace. There is an earnest expectation that the coming year will bring tangible improvements, particularly in areas that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens. Among the key demands are reliable and sustainable electricity, a significant reduction in the cost of basic foodstuffs and the overhaul of the education system to make it more affordable and accessible. The population is also calling for an end to the exploitation of citizens by police and healthcare workers who charge for services that should be free of charge.
The public is also eager to see a more efficient and just judicial system, the creation of real job opportunities for youth and the timely payment of salaries. The promise of transparent public examination registration and the elimination of exorbitant college fees are other issues that are at the forefront of the nation’s concerns.
President Bio’s speech gave citizens hope that 2025 will not be a repeat of 2024. His assurances to reduce inflation, maintain economic growth despite global challenges and create an enabling environment for job creation have bolstered the public’s optimism. The President’s promise to continue improving the energy sector, with significant investments such as the US$480 million MCC Compact, signals a step in the right direction for energy access and reliability. Additionally, his commitment to doubling down on quality education, investing in teacher training and creating pathways for youth empowerment is a vision that resonates deeply with Sierra Leoneans.
The President’s plans to strengthen the legal and regulatory frameworks for sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism and services are viewed as crucial to driving economic growth and ensuring shared prosperity. The promise that every Sierra Leonean will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development has inspired confidence among the citizenry.
With these assurances in place, there is a widespread belief that President Bio will fulfill the expectations he has set for 2025. Sierra Leoneans are hopeful, not only because of the President’s words, but because they believe he will deliver on the promises made. The year ahead offers a new chapter for the nation, one filled with the potential for progress, prosperity and a brighter future for all.
