Since his rise to power in 2018, Bio promised transformative governance, reforms in education, healthcare, and economic revitalization. However, the lived experiences of ordinary Sierra Leoneans reveal a stark contrast. Despite growing discontent, they find themselves enduring the missteps, inefficiencies, and controversies of the Bio administration with limited avenues for recourse. The pervasive endurance among Sierra Leoneans is less a testament to their resilience and more a reflection of their constrained political, economic, and social options.
A Culture of Endurance Born of History
To understand why Sierra Leoneans endure, one must examine the country’s historical context. After years of brutal civil war (1991–2002) that left over 50,000 dead and displaced millions, Sierra Leoneans yearned for peace and stability above all else. This collective trauma fostered a culture of tolerance and endurance, as many feared that dissent or political turmoil could reignite chaos.
This endurance was further institutionalized by decades of governance failures. Successive administrations—regardless of their political affiliations—failed to deliver on promises of inclusive governance and development. Corruption, nepotism, and poor policy implementation became the norm, creating a political culture where citizens grew accustomed to mediocrity and accepted hardships as inevitable.
Broken Promises of the Bio Administration
When President Bio assumed office, he pledged a new era of leadership. Key among his promises was the flagship Free Quality Education program, aimed at providing accessible education to all Sierra Leonean children. While the initiative initially garnered praise, it has been plagued by inadequate funding, poorly trained teachers, and a lack of essential materials. Schools across the country remain overcrowded and under-resourced, leaving the promise of quality education unfulfilled.
Bio’s administration also promised economic revitalization and poverty alleviation. Yet, the country’s economy has continued to deteriorate. Rising inflation, an unstable currency, and widespread unemployment have left citizens struggling to make ends meet. For many, the cost of basic commodities such as rice, cooking oil, and fuel has become unbearable. Despite these challenges, there has been no significant government intervention to alleviate the suffering of ordinary people.
Why Sierra Leoneans Endure
Weak Political Alternatives
The political landscape in Sierra Leone is deeply polarized, with the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC) dominating national politics. For many Sierra Leoneans, the APC—a party with its own legacy of governance failures—offers no compelling alternative. The lack of viable third parties or independent candidates further narrows the political choices available to citizens, leaving them to endure the current administration as the lesser of two evils.
Fear of Repression
Sierra Leoneans live under the shadow of a political system that often suppresses dissent. The Bio administration has been criticized for cracking down on protests and opposition voices. Reports of arrests, intimidation, and even violence against critics create a climate of fear that discourages open resistance. Citizens who attempt to voice their dissatisfaction risk being labeled as enemies of the state, further silencing dissent.
Economic Constraints
Poverty is a powerful silencing force. With over half of the population living below the poverty line, many Sierra Leoneans are preoccupied with daily survival. The struggle to secure food, water, and shelter leaves little room for political activism or collective action. Those who are economically vulnerable often fear losing what little they have if they oppose the government.
Distrust in Institutions
A pervasive lack of trust in state institutions also contributes to the culture of endurance. Sierra Leoneans are deeply skeptical of the judiciary, law enforcement, and electoral bodies, which are often seen as tools of the ruling party. This distrust breeds apathy, as citizens feel that even their legitimate grievances will not lead to meaningful change.
Limited Civic Engagement
Civic education and political engagement are limited in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural areas. Many citizens lack awareness of their rights or the mechanisms available to hold their leaders accountable. This lack of education perpetuates a passive citizenry that endures governance failures rather than challenging them.
The Consequences of Endurance
The culture of endurance comes with significant consequences for Sierra Leonean society. It perpetuates a cycle of poor governance, as leaders face little accountability for their actions. Corruption flourishes in such an environment, as officials feel emboldened to misuse public resources without fear of reprisal.
Endurance also stifles innovation and progress. When citizens feel powerless to demand better governance, the government lacks the impetus to improve. This complacency extends to public services, infrastructure, and economic policies, leaving the country stagnant and underdeveloped.
Moreover, the culture of endurance erodes social cohesion. As hardships persist, frustration and disillusionment grow, leading to divisions within communities. Citizens begin to blame one another—often along tribal or regional lines—rather than uniting to address the root causes of their suffering.
The Role of Civil Society and Media
While endurance remains the default response for many, there are glimmers of hope in the form of civil society organizations and independent media. These groups play a critical role in amplifying the voices of ordinary Sierra Leoneans and holding the government accountable.
Civil society organizations have been instrumental in advocating for transparency, anti-corruption measures, and human rights. Their work provides a platform for citizens to express their grievances and demand change, albeit within the constraints of an often-hostile political environment.
Similarly, independent media outlets have shed light on governance failures and corruption scandals, empowering citizens with information. However, the media landscape is increasingly under threat, with journalists facing intimidation and censorship.
Breaking the Cycle of Endurance
The question remains: How can Sierra Leoneans move beyond mere endurance to active participation in shaping their country’s future? The answer lies in a combination of grassroots empowerment, institutional reform, and leadership accountability.
Empowering Citizens
Civic education initiatives must be expanded to inform citizens of their rights and responsibilities. When people understand their power as voters, taxpayers, and stakeholders, they are more likely to demand accountability from their leaders.
Strengthening Institutions
Reforming key institutions such as the judiciary, law enforcement, and electoral commission is essential. These bodies must be independent and impartial to ensure that citizens can seek justice and fair representation without fear of bias or retribution.
Promoting Political Alternatives
Encouraging the growth of third parties and independent candidates can diversify the political landscape and provide citizens with more meaningful choices. This requires creating an enabling environment for political participation, free from intimidation or undue influence.
Fostering Unity
Sierra Leoneans must resist the temptation to view their challenges through tribal or regional lenses. Unity is crucial for collective action, and citizens must come together to demand better governance regardless of their ethnic or political affiliations.
Sierra Leoneans’ endurance under the Bio administration is a testament to their resilience, but it is not a sustainable solution to the country’s challenges. Endurance, without action, enables poor governance and prolongs the suffering of ordinary citizens. The time has come for Sierra Leoneans to transition from passive endurance to active engagement, demanding the leadership and accountability they deserve. Only then can the country break free from the cycle of hardship and realize its full potential as a nation.