By Foday Moriba Conteh
A coalition of civil society leaders and reform advocates has launched Running Out of Time Salone (ROOTS), a non-partisan citizen movement aimed at promoting governance reforms and strengthening accountability in Sierra Leone’s political and economic systems.
The movement was officially launched on March 11 in Freetown, drawing prominent figures from civil society, the media and traditional leadership.
Among those present were current and former Presidents of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Chairman of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), Emmanuel Koivaya Amara, and the Chairman of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs, Paramount Chief Sheku A. B. Tejan Fasuluku-Sonsiama III.
The event was chaired by veteran journalist Julius Spencer and co-chaired by Professor Fredline McCormack-Hale.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Julius Spencer said the initiative seeks to inspire a social movement that empowers citizens to demand improved governance and accountability from political leaders.
“This event should become a benchmark for Sierra Leone. To transform society, we need social movements not just political parties,” he said.
He explained that the ROOTS movement aims to mobilize citizens nationwide to work collectively in advocating for meaningful reforms ahead of the 2028 General Elections.
“If we all join hands in this effort, we will be able to see the change that we all want,” he added.
Professor McCormack-Hale explained that the initiative, an acronym for Running Out of Time Salone, was formed out of concern that Sierra Leone has not translated its vast natural resources, including diamonds and gold, into tangible benefits for its citizens.
She noted that many Sierra Leoneans remain dissatisfied with the current state of governance and economic management, adding that the country must rethink its political strategies to avoid repeating cycles of leadership without systemic change.
The Movement also highlighted the need to address political polarization and encourage citizens to organize around shared economic and governance interests.
Speaking on the vision of the initiative, Andrew Lavallie said ROOTS seeks to transform widespread citizen dissatisfaction into constructive pressure for reforms.
“We are all not happy with where we are as a country, but dissatisfaction alone will not bring change. We must organize ourselves and work together to change the course of our history,” he said.
Andrew Lavallie clarified that the Movement is not intended to replace political parties but rather to promote a political culture where parties compete based on service delivery, economic management and national development.
Also speaking at the event, PPRC Chairman Emmanuel Koivaya Amara welcomed the formation of the Movement, noting that citizen-driven initiatives can contribute positively to strengthening democratic governance and accountability in the country.
He said such movements create opportunities for citizens to participate more actively in shaping national discourse and promoting transparency in governance.
Emmanuel Koivaya Amara further emphasized that democratic progress requires the active participation of citizens alongside institutions, encouraging organizers to continue promoting peace, unity and constructive political engagement.
Paramount Chief Sheku A. B. Tejan Fasuluku-Sonsiama III also acknowledged the importance of citizen participation in governance reforms, noting that traditional leaders remain important partners in mobilizing communities and promoting national unity.
Organisers said the Movement will initially focus on economic governance, particularly transparency in state contracts and resource management, which they believe are critical to national development.
Through town hall meetings, media engagement, public education campaigns and partnerships with Civil Society groups, ROOTS plans to mobilize citizens across the country and develop a Citizens’ Manifesto outlining key policy priorities for political parties ahead of future elections.
Veteran journalist, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, also addressed the gathering, saying he was inspired to support the initiative because of the credibility of the individuals involved.
He stressed the need for Sierra Leoneans to unite beyond political, regional and ethnic divisions in order to build a stronger and more accountable governance system.
“We must hold our leaders accountable. Politicians will come and go but it is the people who must ensure that the system works for everyone,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said.
While unveiling the logo of the Movement, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Alhaji Manika Kamara, emphasized that ROOTS aims to bridge tribal, religious and political divides while encouraging citizens to play an active role in shaping the country’s governance.
Organisers concluded the launch with a call for Sierra Leoneans nationwide to join the Movement and contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening democratic accountability and improving national development outcomes.
“The time for change is now,” one speaker said, adding that Sierra Leone cannot afford to delay reforms any longer.
