By Sylvester Samai
One of the clearest signs of a state losing its grip on order is the weakening of the rule of law. In recent years, Sierra Leone has seen an alarming rise in impunity—where individuals, often connected to power, are able to break laws without consequence. Corruption cases go unresolved, criminal activity, particularly among the political elite, is met with silence, and ordinary citizens have little faith that justice will be served in the courts, there by exposing the chances of the country to a “Jungle State”.
This breakdown in the legal system has resulted in a growing distrust in the institutions meant to uphold justice. When citizens believe that the law is applied unequally, it encourages a culture of lawlessness. People resort to taking matters into their own hands, further contributing to disorder and instability, or better say ‘the jungle law”.
Political violence is another indicator that Sierra Leone is slipping towards chaos. Elections, which should be a peaceful exercise of democracy, have increasingly been marred by violence, intimidation, and electoral manipulation. The 2023 elections, for instance, were characterized by deep divisions and accusations of voter fraud. Political thuggery has become an all-too-common feature of Sierra Leonean politics, with rival factions often resorting to violence to achieve their aims.
This level of political tension creates a dangerous environment where conflict could easily escalate. The more that violence becomes normalized as part of the political process, the closer Sierra Leone comes to losing its democratic foundation. A jungle state is defined by the absence of peaceful political discourse, and without immediate action, the country risks sliding into a perpetual state of political unrest.
Corruption has long been a challenge in Sierra Leone, but its continued presence at all levels of government is exacerbating the decline into disorder. When public officials engage in corruption with impunity, it signals to the populace that dishonesty and theft are acceptable norms. It also deprives the country of much-needed resources for development and exacerbates inequality.
Corruption undermines institutions and the economy, making it difficult for the state to provide basic services. In a jungle state, the absence of functioning institutions creates a vacuum where lawlessness thrives. The failure to address corruption in Sierra Leone is eroding the very foundation of governance.
A key feature of a failing state is the collapse of essential services. In Sierra Leone, the healthcare system, educational institutions, and infrastructure have been in decline for years. Hospitals are ill-equipped, schools are underfunded, and roads remain in disrepair. When the state fails to meet the basic needs of its citizens, it loses legitimacy in the eyes of the people.
The result is a society where citizens fend for themselves, further contributing to disorder. In a jungle state, the state’s inability to provide for its people leads to a breakdown of trust, leaving space for criminal networks, militias, and other non-state actors to fill the void.
Sierra Leone is seeing an increase in violent crime, particularly in urban areas like Freetown. The rise of gangs, drug-related violence (particularly the growing problem of “kush” addiction), and armed robberies are signs that the state is struggling to maintain order. The police force, underfunded and often corrupt, has been unable to keep up with the rising crime, further adding to the sense of lawlessness.
When citizens no longer feel safe in their own homes, the social contract between the state and the people breaks down. In a jungle state, insecurity reigns, and people must rely on their own means for protection, leading to a cycle of violence and retribution.
Another troubling sign is the growing ethnic and regional divisions within the country. Political parties have increasingly played on ethnic loyalties to garner support, leading to heightened tensions between different groups. This kind of division, if left unchecked, could lead to violent conflict and further destabilize the country.
A jungle state is one where ethnic and regional divisions are exploited for political gain, often resulting in civil conflict. Sierra Leone’s history with ethnic violence during the civil war should serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of allowing these divisions to fester.
While the signs of Sierra Leone’s gradual decline are clear, the situation is not beyond repair. The nation still has the potential to turn things around and restore order, stability, and progress. However, this will require bold and immediate action from both the government and civil society.
To reverse the slide into a jungle state, Sierra Leone must reestablish the rule of law as the cornerstone of governance. The judiciary must be empowered to act independently and without fear of political interference. There should be zero tolerance for corruption within the legal system, and cases of impunity, particularly among political elites, must be addressed swiftly and publicly.
Citizens must believe that justice is attainable for all, not just for the wealthy and powerful. This can be achieved by increasing transparency in the legal process, ensuring that the police are properly trained and equipped, and instituting reforms that make the judiciary more accessible to ordinary people.
The political climate in Sierra Leone needs to shift from one of hostility to one of cooperation. Political leaders must commit to peaceful dialogue and refrain from inciting violence. An independent electoral commission must oversee elections, and all parties must agree to respect the outcome of the vote, regardless of the result.
Additionally, efforts should be made to promote political inclusivity, ensuring that all regions and ethnic groups feel represented in the government. Sierra Leone’s democracy can only survive if it is based on mutual respect and a commitment to the rule of law.
Tackling corruption must become a national priority. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) should be given the necessary resources and independence to investigate and prosecute corruption cases without fear or favor. This will require political will from the top down, with the president and other leaders leading by example. Public officials who are found guilty of corruption must face severe consequences, including jail time and the forfeiture of ill-gotten gains.
Moreover, transparency must be improved in all sectors of government, particularly in procurement, budgeting, and the allocation of public resources. Civil society organizations and the media should be empowered to act as watchdogs, holding public officials accountable.
Sierra Leone’s government must prioritize the restoration of essential public services. This includes investing in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. A nation cannot thrive if its people are sick, uneducated, and unable to move goods and services efficiently. Public-private partnerships, as well as international aid, can play a key role in helping to rebuild these critical sectors.
A functioning state is one that meets the basic needs of its citizens. By improving access to quality healthcare, education, and infrastructure, Sierra Leone can restore trust in government and reduce the likelihood of the country descending into chaos.
The government must take immediate steps to address the rising levels of crime. This includes reforming the police force, improving training, and increasing funding for law enforcement. Community policing initiatives, where police officers work closely with local communities, can help build trust and improve security.
Moreover, efforts should be made to combat the growing drug problem, particularly the use of kush. Rehabilitation programs, along with public awareness campaigns, can help reduce the impact of drug abuse on the nation’s youth.
Finally, Sierra Leone must reject the ethnic and regional divisions that threaten to tear the country apart. Political leaders, civil society organizations, and religious leaders all have a role to play in promoting national unity. A national dialogue on reconciliation, similar to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that followed the civil war, could help heal some of the wounds that have been reopened in recent years.
Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads. The warning signs of a potential descent into a jungle state are evident, but they are not irreversible. With strong leadership, a commitment to justice, and active civic engagement, Sierra Leone can rise above the challenges it faces today. The nation’s future depends on the choices made by its leaders and citizens in the coming years. This is not just a challenge for those in power; it is a call to action for every Sierra Leonean who values peace, order, and progress.
To avoid becoming a jungle state, Sierra Leone must reject the path of lawlessness and impunity and instead embrace reform, transparency, and accountability. The country’s leaders must prioritize the restoration of trust in institutions, the safeguarding of human rights, and the fostering of a political environment based on respect and cooperation.
Sierra Leone has overcome immense challenges in its past. The civil war, which devastated the nation, serves as a reminder of the consequences of division and disorder. The scars of that conflict are still fresh, and the lessons learned must not be forgotten. The idea of descending into another state of lawlessness must be rejected, not only for the sake of those who lived through the civil war but for future generations who deserve a brighter future.
The solutions to Sierra Leone’s challenges are not simple, and they will require a concerted effort from all segments of society. It is not just the responsibility of the government but of civil society, religious leaders, youth, and every citizen who desires a stable and prosperous nation. Political parties must put the nation’s interest above their own, and leaders should prioritize national unity over divisive rhetoric. Sierra Leone’s future depends on a collective commitment to rebuilding trust in governance, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting justice for all.
No nation is destined to become a jungle state. Sierra Leone’s decline towards lawlessness is not an inevitable fate. The power to change this trajectory lies within the hands of the people and their leaders. Through education, dialogue, accountability, and a firm commitment to democracy, Sierra Leone can return to the path of peace, stability, and progress.
The journey to restoring order will not be easy, but it is possible. Sierra Leone is a country rich in history, culture, and potential. The nation must remember its capacity for resilience and its ability to overcome adversity. By rejecting lawlessness and choosing the path of justice and good governance, Sierra Leone can avoid the dark future of becoming a jungle state and instead build a future where all citizens can thrive.
It is time to rise and act. Sierra Leone must not allow itself to slip into disorder. Together, the people and their leaders can restore dignity, order, and hope. The dream of a peaceful, just, and prosperous Sierra Leone is still within reach, but it requires action today! The time to prevent the jungle state is now. Let this be a wake-up call—a call for a stronger, more united Sierra Leone, built on the principles of democracy, law, and equality for all.