By Sylvester Samai
President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, having served two terms, is constitutionally mandated to step down in 2028. His departure will mark the end of a significant era for the country, characterized by policies, reforms, and challenges that have shaped his leadership. However, what lies ahead for the former President after 2028 is a topic of immense speculation. From potential legal battles to his legacy’s lasting impact on the political landscape, Bio’s post-presidency fate will be shaped by numerous factors.
When Bio assumed the presidency in 2018, he inherited a country grappling with economic difficulties, deep-rooted corruption, and a legacy of governance failures. His administration focused heavily on reforms, notably the “Free Quality Education” (FQE) initiative, which was positioned as the flagship achievement of his first term. While the initiative garnered international praise, it has also been criticized locally for inadequate implementation and the failure to provide meaningful improvement in educational outcomes.
After 2028, one of the key determinants of Bio’s legacy will be whether the FQE program survives and thrives. If it proves successful in improving literacy, workforce development, and socio-economic mobility, Bio will be remembered as a leader who laid the foundation for future generations. On the other hand, if the program falters or fades into obscurity due to funding or mismanagement, his legacy may be tainted by perceptions of unfulfilled promises.
Bio’s presidency has also been defined by his focus on security reforms, anti-corruption measures, and attempts to diversify Sierra Leone’s economy. The introduction of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 and other legislative frameworks in the justice sector are examples of his efforts to combat corruption and reform governance structures. However, the sustainability and enforcement of these reforms will play a critical role in defining how Bio is remembered.
Post-presidency, Bio will likely remain an influential figure in Sierra Leonean politics, much like his predecessor Ernest Bai Koroma, who continued to wield political influence after stepping down in 2018. Whether Bio becomes an elder statesman revered for his accomplishments or a polarizing figure criticized for his shortcomings will largely depend on the state of Sierra Leone when he leaves office in 2028.
One of the most pressing questions regarding Bio’s fate post-2028 is whether he will face legal scrutiny for actions taken during his presidency. In Africa, former presidents often face investigations or legal challenges after leaving power. In Bio’s case, there have been accusations of corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement. His government has also been accused of political repression, with claims that opposition parties and civil society groups were targeted during his tenure.
Upon leaving office, the former President is likely to see himself vulnerable to such investigations, especially if the opposition takes power. An APC-led government, for instance, may launch inquiries into the handling of public funds, contracts, and the alleged siphoning of state resources. The Lungi Bridge project, for example, has raised questions about transparency, and unresolved concerns surrounding its financing could lead to legal scrutiny for Bio and his administration.
One of the key aspects that will weigh heavily on Julius Maada Bio’s legacy after 2028 is his management of Sierra Leone’s economy. When he took over the presidency in 2018, the country was already in the throes of economic challenges—rising inflation, an over-reliance on mineral exports, and poor infrastructural development. His administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy and initiate reforms in various sectors have been met with mixed reactions.
On the one hand, Bio introduced some initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy, particularly through agricultural reforms. The “Feed Salone” project, for example, was designed to reduce the country’s dependency on food imports by boosting local production. While this was positioned as a cornerstone of his government’s plan to enhance food security, critics have pointed out that the project has failed to deliver on its promises. Issues like mismanagement, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate funding have severely undermined its success. By 2028, whether Bio’s agricultural policies will have brought tangible benefits or will be viewed as another failed initiative could significantly impact his post-presidency reputation.
Another area of concern is Bio’s handling of foreign investment and international relations. His administration initially aimed to attract foreign investment, particularly from China, to drive infrastructural development, notably the controversial Lungi Bridge project. While some have lauded these efforts as essential to modernizing Sierra Leone, others have raised red flags about the lack of transparency and accountability in these large-scale projects. Questions around the financing and tender processes of these initiatives have left a cloud of suspicion that could linger long after Bio leaves office.
Economic stability—or the lack thereof—could also have a profound impact on the country’s political stability after Bio’s tenure. If the economy worsens under his administration, it could become fertile ground for political upheaval, protests, and increased opposition activities, which might retrospectively cast his presidency in a negative light. On the flip side, if his policies prove fruitful and the nation experiences sustained economic growth post-2028, Bio could be remembered as a leader who laid the groundwork for a stable and prosperous Sierra Leone.
Security reforms and anti-corruption efforts were also pillars of Bio’s administration. His government’s commitment to combatting corruption was symbolized by the strengthening of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which saw high-profile prosecutions during his tenure. The introduction of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 was another step in this direction, aimed at reforming the justice system and ensuring that corruption cases were handled efficiently. These efforts won him some praise, particularly among the international community, which saw them as steps towards enhancing governance and the rule of law in Sierra Leone.
However, on the domestic front, these efforts have not been without controversy. Many critics argue that Bio’s anti-corruption drive was selectively applied, targeting opposition figures while turning a blind eye to corrupt practices within his own government. Accusations of nepotism and favoritism have marred his administration, undermining the credibility of his anti-corruption stance. These inconsistencies could haunt Bio after he steps down, as his detractors may view his anti-corruption campaign as more of a political tool than a genuine effort to clean up Sierra Leone’s governance structures.
Security has been another focus of Bio’s presidency, with efforts to reform the military and police force. He implemented new training programs and made moves to modernize the country’s security apparatus. Yet, his administration has been accused of political repression, particularly concerning how it handled dissent and opposition protests.