By Sylvester Samai
In the years leading his presidency, Julius Maada Bio was a passionate critic of foreign influence in Sierra Leone, particularly that from China. His rhetoric resonated with many Sierra Leoneans who felt that their country’s sovereignty was being compromised by foreign powers exploiting the nation’s resources without providing equitable returns. Bio positioned himself as a defender of Sierra Leone’s interests, condemning the influx of Chinese investments and workers, which he argued were detrimental to the country. However, the narrative has taken a drastic turn since he assumed office in 2018. Today, China has emerged as one of Bio’s closest allies, and the very issues he once railed against have not only persisted but worsened under his watch.
When Julius Maada Bio was in opposition, he did not mince his words when it came to China’s growing influence in Sierra Leone. He accused the then-ruling government of selling out the country to Chinese interests, allowing Chinese companies to operate with little regard for environmental regulations, Labour Laws, or the welfare of local communities. Bio’s speeches were laced with promises to put Sierra Leoneans first, to curb the influx of foreign workers, and to ensure that any foreign investment in the country would be mutually beneficial. He criticized the lack of transparency in deals with Chinese companies, which often resulted in contracts that favoured the foreign investors at the expense of Sierra Leonean taxpayers.
However, the moment Bio assumed power, his stance on China shifted dramatically. The man who once condemned Chinese influence became an ardent supporter of Chinese investment. Bio’s administration has not only welcomed more Chinese companies but has also allowed them to operate with even fewer restrictions than before. The promises of prioritizing Sierra Leoneans have been abandoned, as Chinese nationals now work in the country without proper permits or licenses, often in sectors that should be reserved for locals.
The lack of oversight in Chinese operations has led to numerous violations of Sierra Leone’s laws. Chinese workers, who should be subject to the same regulations as any other foreign workers, are often found working in the country without the necessary documentation. This not only undermines the rule of law but also deprives Sierra Leoneans of job opportunities. Moreover, many of these Chinese companies do not pay taxes, further draining the country’s already struggling economy. The irony is glaring: Bio, who once decried the unfair advantages given to Chinese companies, is now the one enabling these practices.
The consequences of Bio’s hypocrisy are far-reaching. By allowing Chinese companies to operate without proper permits, licenses, or tax obligations, his administration is essentially giving them a free pass to exploit the country’s resources and labour. This has led to a number of issues:
Loss of Revenue: The government is losing millions of dollars in potential tax revenue. This money could have been used to improve public services, infrastructure, and social welfare programs. Instead, it is being siphoned off by Chinese companies that operate with impunity.
Job Displacement: The influx of Chinese workers has displaced many Sierra Leoneans from jobs that they are qualified for. This has exacerbated the already high unemployment rate in the country, leading to increased poverty and social unrest.
Environmental Degradation: Chinese companies have been linked to a number of environmental violations, including illegal mining, deforestation, and pollution. These activities have devastating consequences for Sierra Leone’s natural resources and the health of its citizens.
Corruption: The lack of transparency in deals with Chinese companies has created fertile ground for corruption. There are widespread allegations that senior government officials are receiving kickbacks in exchange for granting Chinese companies favourable treatment. This has eroded public trust in Bio’s administration and fueled resentment among the populace.
Erosion of Sovereignty: By allowing Chinese companies to operate without adhering to local laws, Bio’s administration is effectively ceding control over key sectors of the economy to foreign interests. This undermines Sierra Leone’s sovereignty and its ability to chart its own course for development.
One of the most troubling aspects of this situation is the silence of Bio’s administration in the face of these issues. Despite mounting evidence of Chinese companies operating illegally, there has been little to no action taken to address these violations. This inaction raises serious questions about the integrity of Bio’s government and its commitment to upholding the rule of law.
It is also worth noting that Bio’s administration has been remarkably silent on the issue of Chinese workers not paying taxes. This is particularly egregious given that ordinary Sierra Leoneans are expected to pay their taxes, often under the threat of severe penalties. The double standard is stark and speaks to a government that is more concerned with appeasing foreign investors than with ensuring fairness and justice for its own citizens.
Bio’s about-face on China is nothing short of a betrayal of the Sierra Leonean people. The very issues that he once railed against have only worsened under his watch. Sierra Leoneans who believed in Bio’s promise to put their interests first have been let down. Instead of curbing Chinese influence, Bio has allowed it to flourish, often at the expense of his own people.
This betrayal is particularly painful for the thousands of Sierra Leoneans who are struggling to make ends meet. Many had hoped that Bio’s presidency would bring about a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities. Instead, they have been forced to watch as foreign workers take jobs that should be theirs, as Chinese companies extract resources without paying their fair share, and as their government turns a blind eye to these injustices.
In the face of government inaction, it falls to civil society and the media to hold Bio’s administration accountable. However, this is easier said than done. The media landscape in Sierra Leone is fraught with challenges, including limited resources, government pressure, and a lack of investigative journalism. Nevertheless, there are still journalists and activists who are bravely speaking out against the government’s hypocrisy and the negative impact of Chinese influence in the country.
Civil society organizations also have a crucial role to play in advocating for greater transparency and accountability. They must continue to push for reforms that ensure that foreign companies, including Chinese ones, adhere to Sierra Leone’s laws and pay their fair share of taxes. They must also work to empower local communities to resist exploitation and demand better from their government.
Strengthening Labour Laws: The government must ensure that all foreign workers, including Chinese nationals, have the necessary permits and licenses to work in the country. This will help protect local jobs and ensure that foreign workers are not exploited.
Enforcing Tax Regulations: the government; must crack down on companies that do not pay taxes. This includes Chinese companies that have been operating in the country without fulfilling their tax obligations. The revenue generated from these taxes could be used to fund vital public services and infrastructure projects.
Environmental Protections: The government must enforce environmental regulations and hold companies accountable for any violations. This includes ensuring that Chinese companies operating in the country adhere to sustainable practices that protect Sierra Leone’s natural resources.
Transparency and Accountability: The government must be transparent in its dealings with foreign companies and ensure that all contracts are in the best interest of the Sierra Leonean people. This includes making contracts publicly available and subjecting them to parliamentary oversight.
Empowering Local Communities: The government must prioritize the interests of local communities and ensure that they benefit from foreign investment. This includes providing training and job opportunities for Sierra Leoneans and ensuring that they have a say in how their resources are managed.
President Bio’s hypocrisy on the issue of Chinese influence in Sierra Leone is a stark reminder of the dangers of political opportunism. His administration’s failure to address the very issues he once condemned has had devastating consequences for the country. Sierra Leoneans deserve better than a government that prioritizes foreign interests over their own. They deserve a leader who will stand up for their rights, protect their jobs, and ensure that their country’s resources are used for their benefit. It is time for President Bio to live up to the promises he made in opposition and put Sierra Leoneans first. Until then, his legacy will be more of a betrayal.