By Sylvester Samai
The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, has faced increasing internal discord. The once-united front of the SLPP has shown cracks, with various factions vying for influence within the party. Amidst this turbulence, one notable figure whose position appears enigmatic is Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. As the second-highest officeholder in the country, Jalloh’s role in the ongoing SLPP political infighting has sparked curiosity and speculations. VP Juldeh’s stands in the current power struggle within the SLPP, his influence, and the potential implications of his positioning for the future of both the party and the country has been brought to fervent scrutiny, more so, in relation to his silence to speak on controversial issues affecting Sierra Leone.
The SLPP’s internal strife is rooted in a clash of personalities, ideologies, and ambitions. President Bio, having secured a second term, is facing a growing challenge from within his ranks. A faction within the party is reportedly pushing for a shift in leadership, questioning Bio’s handling of governance and his approach to national issues. This factionalism has led to a power struggle, with key figures jockeying for positions of influence as they look towards the post-Bio era.
In this context, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh’s silence and low-profile approach have been both strategic and puzzling. While other party members have openly expressed their views or aligned with various factions, Jalloh has maintained a more reserved stance, leading to questions about his political strategy and future ambitions.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s rise to the vice presidency was marked by his reputation as a technocrat with a background in international development. Before joining politics, he worked with international organizations, including the United Nations. His selection as President Bio’s running mate in 2018 was seen as a strategic move to balance the SLPP ticket geographically and ethnically, given Jalloh’s Fulani heritage from the northern part of Sierra Leone, Port Loko to be precise.
As Vice President, Jalloh has played a crucial role in the Bio administration, particularly in areas of governance and economic management. However, his political persona has been one of quiet diplomacy, rarely engaging in public confrontations or overt political maneuvering. This approach has served him well in maintaining a broad appeal but has also led to perceptions of him being aloof or disengaged from the party’s grassroots politics.
In the current SLPP infighting, Jalloh’s position remains ambiguous. On one hand, his loyalty to President Bio is not in question; he has consistently supported the president’s policies and initiatives. On the other hand, his absence from the more aggressive political battles within the party has raised eyebrows. Some speculate that Jalloh is biding his time, avoiding entanglement in the factional disputes to preserve his political capital for the future. Others believe he may be playing the role of a mediator behind the scenes, attempting to bridge the divide within the party without drawing attention to himself.
Jalloh’s silence could also be a calculated move to avoid alienating any faction within the SLPP. By staying above the fray, he maintains a position of neutrality, which could be advantageous if and when the party seeks a unifying figure to reconcile the warring factions. However, this approach is not without risks; in a highly polarized environment, neutrality can be perceived as indecision or a lack of leadership.
The current infighting within the SLPP poses significant risks for the party’s future. If left unresolved, these divisions could weaken the SLPP’s cohesion and effectiveness, especially as it faces a resurgent opposition in the form of the All People’s Congress (APC). In this context, the role of VP Juldeh Jalloh could be pivotal.
Should Jalloh choose to take a more active role in the party’s internal politics, he could emerge as a key figure in shaping the post-Bio SLPP. His technocratic background and international experience position him as a potential leader who could appeal to both the party’s base and the broader electorate. However, this would require him to shift from his current low-profile approach to a more assertive political stance.
Conversely, if Jalloh continues to distance himself from the infighting, he risks being sidelined in the party’s future leadership contests. In the fluid and often ruthless world of Sierra Leonean politics, maintaining relevance is crucial, and absence from the political battlefield could be interpreted as a lack of ambition or influence.
Vice President Juldeh Jalloh’s current position in the SLPP’s political infighting is one of cautious distance. While his loyalty to President Bio remains clear, his silence on the internal divisions within the party has led to speculation about his future role and ambitions. Whether Jalloh will continue to play the role of a neutral technocrat or step into a more prominent political position remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that his choices in the coming months will have significant implications for both the SLPP and Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
As the SLPP navigates its internal challenges, Jalloh’s role could be that of a mediator, a future leader, or a sidelined figure, depending on how he chooses to engage with the current power dynamics. In a party and a country where political fortunes can change rapidly, Jalloh’s next moves will be closely watched by both his allies and his rivals.