By: Andrew Kamara in Stockholm, Sweden
The administration of Julius Maada Bio has become a national disgrace, dragging Sierra Leone into an abyss of economic collapse, institutional failure, and social unrest. From the outset, the Bio-led regime promised prosperity, good governance, and economic transformation. Instead, it has delivered corruption, incompetence, and a blatant disregard for democratic principles.
First Lady Fatima Bio, in a reckless and deeply insulting statement, has recently referred to her husband’s administration as of “Dogs”-‘Dog mortal man dem’. This remark, though shocking, perfectly encapsulates the nature of the Bio government: an undisciplined, directionless, and morally bankrupt regime that has failed in every sector of governance. Under its watch, Sierra Leone has experienced unprecedented economic hardship, institutional decay, and a breakdown of law and order.
Economic collapse under Bio:
One of the most glaring failures of the Bio administration is its handling of the economy. Instead of implementing policies to foster growth and stability, the government has plunged the nation into economic despair.
- Skyrocketing Inflation: Prices of basic commodities have soared beyond the reach of ordinary citizens, forcing many into extreme poverty.
- Devaluation of the Leone: The national currency has plummeted in value, eroding purchasing power and worsening living conditions.
- High Unemployment Rates: Youth unemployment has skyrocketed, with no viable economic policies to address the crisis.
- Debt Mismanagement: The Bio government has recklessly borrowed billions, burdening future generations while failing to invest in productive sectors.
Instead of addressing these issues, Bio and his cronies have chosen to live lavishly, wasting state resources on extravagant foreign trips, useless projects, and a bloated government payroll filled with political loyalists rather than competent professionals.
Institutional Decay and the Erosion of Democracy:
The Bio administration has systematically dismantled Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions. Key government agencies, ministries, and departments (MDAs) have been turned into tools for political intimidation and personal enrichment.
- Judicial Manipulation: The judiciary has been weaponized against opposition party figures and critics, ensuring that justice are served only in favour of the ruling party.
- Corrupt Law Enforcement: The police and security forces have been reduced to political enforcers, brutalizing citizens and suppressing dissent.
- NEC and Electoral Fraud: The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has lost credibility, as elections under Bio’s rule have been marred by rigging, voter suppression, and outright fraud.
- Parliamentary Chaos: The government has undermined parliamentary integrity, removing opposition MPs and forcing through unconstitutional decisions.
Rather than upholding democratic values, the Bio administration has embraced authoritarian tendencies, silencing opposition voices and using state resources to consolidate power.
Failure in Key Sectors:
The incompetence of the Bio-led government extends to every critical sector of national development.
- Education: Despite the much-touted “Free Quality Education,” the reality is a sector in crisis. Schools lack proper infrastructure, teachers are underpaid, and students face declining standards.
- Healthcare: The healthcare system is in shambles, with hospitals lacking medicine, equipment, and trained personnel. Pregnant women and children continue to die due to negligence and lack of resources.
- Energy and Water Supply: Frequent power outages and a chronic water crisis have left citizens in the dark and struggling for basic necessities.
- Agriculture: A sector that should be the backbone of the economy has been neglected, leading to increased food insecurity and over-reliance on imports.
Every promise Bio made has turned into a disaster. Instead of progress, Sierra Leoneans have been subjected to five years of hardship, broken dreams, and worsening conditions.
A Regime With No Moral Compass or Vision:
The arrogance and irresponsibility of the Bio administration are epitomized by the disgraceful utterances of First Lady Fatima Bio. Her labelling of the government as “an Administration of Dogs” is not just an insult but a clear admission of its lack of direction and discipline.
A government that:
- Steals from the people rather than serving them,
- Suppresses free speech rather than encouraging dialogue,
- Destroys institutions rather than strengthening them, and
- Squanders resources rather than investing in the nation.
The Bio regime has proven that it lacks the moral fortitude and competence to govern, and that it is not fit to lead.
The Way Forward:
Sierra Leone cannot afford another term of this destructive administration. The people must rise to demand accountability and reject the failed leadership of Maada Bio. The country needs:
- A Transparent and Accountable Government that prioritizes the welfare of citizens.
- Economic Reforms that will stabilize the currency, control inflation, and create jobs.
- Institutional Rebuilding to restore the integrity of democratic governance.
- An End to Corruption with strict measures to hold public officials accountable.
- A People-Centred Leadership that listens to the cries of its citizens and works to improve their lives.
The Bio-led regime has been an unmitigated disaster; already proved to be incapable of leading Sierra Leone to prosperity. The nation deserves better. The time for change is now.