With each passing day, the struggles of ordinary citizens deepen, prompting a simmering frustration that could potentially lead to widespread unrest if these issues are not addressed promptly and effectively. Life for the average Sierra Leonean has become extraordinarily difficult in recent years, intensified by global economic challenges but also worsened by domestic policies that many believe have failed to alleviate the hardships. Unemployment rates remain alarmingly high, especially among young people who make up the bulk of the population. Without adequate employment opportunities, the youth are left without pathways to a stable future, leading to a pervasive sense of hopelessness that erodes the social fabric.
Meanwhile, inflation has reached levels that place basic necessities out of reach for many families. Food prices have surged, pushing Sierra Leoneans into food insecurity at a time when income levels remain stagnant or, in many cases, have diminished. Bread-and-butter issues such as access to affordable food, water, and housing remain unaddressed, leading to a severe quality-of-life deterioration for much of the population. The government’s inability to curb inflation, stabilize prices, or create effective welfare systems adds to the population’s discontent, as citizens feel they are bearing the brunt of policy failures without any form of relief.
Among the SLPP’s flagship promises was the Free Quality Education (FQE) program, an initiative aimed at transforming the educational sector. While the idea initially garnered widespread support, its implementation has exposed serious flaws. Schools continue to face severe underfunding, with limited resources, poorly trained teachers, and inadequate facilities. The program has struggled to deliver quality alongside access, leaving parents disillusioned and students inadequately prepared. For many, the so-called “free” education has become a symbol of broken promises, offering little more than a nominal benefit while doing little to equip Sierra Leone’s youth with the skills needed to succeed.
Healthcare, too, remains in a dire state. Despite efforts to improve access, the reality is that hospitals and clinics across the country suffer from a lack of basic supplies, outdated equipment, and severe understaffing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare system’s shortcomings became all too apparent, with the country ill-equipped to manage the crisis effectively. Citizens are painfully aware that they cannot rely on government facilities in times of need, creating a pervasive sense of insecurity that exacerbates the general feeling of dissatisfaction with the SLPP’s governance.
One of the most serious grievances Sierra Leoneans have with the SLPP administration is its failure to address corruption and enforce accountability among government officials. Reports of mismanagement, misuse of funds, and lavish lifestyles among some political elites have only added fuel to the fire of public discontent. While the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has attempted to address some cases, the results have often been criticized as inconsistent or politically selective. Without a robust and impartial approach to fighting corruption, citizens are left feeling that their leaders are insulated from consequences, further eroding trust in government.
Public funds that could be directed towards development projects are frequently seen as wasted or misallocated, benefiting a small elite rather than addressing the urgent needs of the majority. This growing perception of inequality, where a few benefit disproportionately while the majority languishes in poverty, feeds into a narrative that the SLPP is out of touch with the needs of ordinary Sierra Leoneans. The absence of accountability mechanisms further exacerbates the frustration, as citizens feel they lack any recourse to challenge or change the status quo.
What should be of most concern to the SLPP is the dissatisfaction that is brewing within the Sierra Leonean youth population. With limited job prospects, low wages, and a lack of representation in political decision-making, young people find themselves excluded from the nation’s future. This demographic is growing increasingly vocal in their dissatisfaction, expressing their frustrations through social media, protests, and other public forums. Their voices highlight a broader disillusionment with the SLPP’s governance and a demand for meaningful change.
The youth, often the engine of social and political movements, are frustrated with a political system they see as unresponsive to their needs. With social media amplifying their voices and bringing greater awareness of issues like government corruption and incompetence, young Sierra Leoneans are less willing to accept the status quo. This demographic has the power to mobilize and influence, and if their grievances continue to be ignored, the potential for organized protests or civil unrest increases significantly.
As the SLPP struggles with its governance challenges, Sierra Leone’s political climate has become increasingly volatile. Growing distrust in political leaders, fueled by unfulfilled promises and perceived self-interest among elites, has led to a sentiment of political disengagement and resentment. Opposition parties, most notably the All People’s Congress (APC), have capitalized on the SLPP’s shortcomings, rallying citizens frustrated by the ruling party’s policies. This situation is a powder keg, where any spark—such as an economic downturn, a scandal, or a protest crackdown—could ignite widespread unrest.
Throughout history, sustained poor governance has often been the catalyst for social upheaval. In neighboring countries and elsewhere on the continent, popular uprisings have occurred, when citizens feel that their voices are ignored, their needs unmet, and their futures compromised. With the current conditions in Sierra Leone, the risk of a similar scenario cannot be dismissed. If the SLPP fails to address the mounting grievances of its citizens, the prospect of a mass movement calling for change becomes increasingly likely.
To avert the risk of an uprising, the SLPP must adopt a proactive approach to governance that emphasizes transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs. This starts with recognizing and addressing the root causes of the public’s dissatisfaction, rather than downplaying or dismissing them. A government that genuinely listens to its people and takes tangible steps to improve their lives can restore trust and defuse tension.
One immediate step is to address the economic issues that are pushing people to their breaking point. By investing in programs that create job opportunities, stabilize inflation, and support small businesses, the SLPP can start to alleviate some of the economic pressures facing Sierra Leoneans. Targeted social programs that support the most vulnerable, such as subsidies for basic necessities can provide immediate relief to struggling families and demonstrate that the government is prioritizing their well-being.
In the education and healthcare sectors, meaningful reform must replace empty promises. The SLPP should work to improve funding for these vital services, ensuring that teachers are well-trained and hospitals well-equipped. By prioritizing human development, the government can lay the foundation for a healthier, more educated population capable of driving the country forward.
Moreover, tackling corruption is essential to restoring public trust. Implementing stronger anti-corruption measures, increasing transparency in public spending, and ensuring that all government officials are held accountable will demonstrate a commitment to ethical governance. The Anti-Corruption Commission must operate with complete independence and consistency, targeting corruption wherever it occurs and reinforcing the idea that no one is above the law.
Sierra Leone is at a crossroads. The SLPP has an opportunity to learn from its missteps and take bold action to address the needs and grievances of its people. By doing so, it can chart a path towards a more stable, prosperous future. However, if the party continues down its current trajectory—failing to address corruption, neglecting economic reforms, and ignoring the needs of the youth—it risks triggering a wave of social unrest that could destabilize the country and lead to unpredictable consequences.
The choice before the SLPP is clear: it can either adapt and begin to address the mounting dissatisfaction within Sierra Leone, or it can continue on a path that places political interests above public welfare. For the sake of Sierra Leone’s stability and future, the hope is that it chooses the former. The country cannot afford another cycle of political turmoil; the time for change, transparency, and a people-centered approach to governance is now.