The Office of National Security (ONS) has hurriedly cancelled the planned traditional Lantern Parade much to the chagrin of majority citizens in an apparent reaction to another insecurity hoax by Adebayor.
Following what appeared to have been a consensual agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Ordellay Society to reinstitute the country’s most popular traditional and cultural event since the 1930s. Disappointingly, the ONS in a show of the fragility of the country’s internal security may have reacted to an hoax by Adebayor who had swiftly reacted to the announcement that the Lantern Parade of April 27th is to be reinstated after almost seven years of it being banned by the Julius Maada Bio Government that came to power in 2018, thereby obstructing with impunity a tradition Sierra Leoneans would look forward to in celebrating of their country’s Independence.
Adebayor in his video and audio reactions early this year had insinuated that every Sierra Leonean who feels he or she is denied of adequate electricity supply; every Sierra Leonean who goes hungry and he or she is facing hard times under the President Julius Maada Bio’s Government should come out that night and seize the opportunity to agitate for a better condition of life. “We all dae komot; enti na night, by dae time doh dae clean, waeting go happen go don happen”, Adebayor had stated in one of his video commentaries. He was literally insinuating that Sierra Leoneans will seize the opportunity of the lantern parade to agitate for their rights to electricity, better utility services and a better condition of life, and that by the time it is dawn, what will happen would have happened.
Most Freetownians contacted by Nightwatch following the sudden and unexpected announcement of the ONS have expressed disappointment saying the move by the Government to cancel the lantern parade is a testament of the fragility of the country’s internal security and the lack of confidence by the government over its ability to properly handle internal security.
The cancellation of this planned traditional lantern parade by the ONS and to be enforced by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), has sparked mixed reactions across the country. Authorities have cited security concerns as the primary reason, drawing reference from the number of times Adebayor through his audio and video messages have motivated youth to cause threats to national security by disguised ways of peaceful protests that resulted in violence, disorderly conduct, and general mayhem, particularly by intoxicated youths.
Ironically however, the Maada Bio SLPP-led government has over the past seven years, allowed other cultural groups especially in their so-called political strongholds to operate, and in the capital Freetown some are allowed to also operate under stricter regulations but maintained a ban on the lantern parade due which has a huge national appeal.
While a few citizens view the cancellation as a necessary measure to maintain public safety, majority are arguing that it disrupts a cherished cultural tradition that has been associated with the country’s Independence celebrations. There is also concern about the economic impact, as the parade usually attracts vendors, performers, and businesses that benefit from the festivities. The Government’s decision therefore to cancel this popular national festivity that in a way would have helped to assuage the trauma and psychological stress of an estimated 75% of Sierra Leoneans across the board is fueling debates about national identity and governance approaches to matters of national interest.
Nightwatch believes that the cancellation of the Lantern Parade will have serious several long-term social, political, and economic consequences.
Cultural and Social Impact:
The lantern parade is a significant tradition related to the country’s independence, fostering a sense of national identity and unity. The cancellation disrupts this cultural continuity, leading to frustration, especially among youth and local artisans who prepare for the event annually. Additionally, the shift toward religious observances instead of the parade could deepen social divisions between those who support traditional celebrations and those who prefer a more conservative, state-sanctioned approach to national commemorations.
Economic Effects:
The lantern parade attracts vendors, artisans, and entertainers who rely on the event for income. Its cancellation affects small businesses and informal sector workers who would have benefited from the influx of attendees. Street vendors, food sellers, and performers may struggle financially due to the loss of sales and tips they typically earn during the celebrations. The government’s decision could also discourage future investment in cultural tourism as such events often attract local and international visitors including Diaspora.
Political and Public Perception:
The decision to cancel the parade while allowing other cultural groups to hold events raises questions about government priorities and impartiality. Some citizens perceive it as an attempt to suppress public gatherings, potentially in response to concerns about unrest or opposition demonstrations. The ban could fuel discontent, especially among young people who see the decision as limiting their freedom of expression. If the government continues to restrict cultural events, opposition groups may use this as a rallying point to criticize the administration for stifling traditions and public celebrations.
Future Celebrations and Government Policies:
If the government maintains the ban on lantern parades in future, it may need to offer alternative cultural celebrations to maintain public engagement. Otherwise, tensions between authorities and the public could escalate, particularly if people attempt to hold unofficial or unsanctioned events. Future governments may also face pressure to reinstate the parade, making it a political issue during elections.
The Lantern Parade is an important part of Sierra Leonean heritage, dating back to the 1930s. Over the years, it evolved into a vibrant event showcasing artistic craftsmanship, community spirit, and national pride. However, it has also faced various challenges, including commercialization, violence, and political influences, leading to tighter government regulations and occasional suspensions, particularly during times of national instability.
In the view of the Nightwatch, the decision to cancel the 2025 parade comes amid heightened political tensions following the controversial 2023 elections and an attempted coup in November 2023. The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) have been in ongoing disputes, with allegations of electoral fraud and unrest, while recommendations of the Tripartite Committee aimed at resolving the political tension are yet to be fairly implemented.
The government has likely seen the parade as a potential flashpoint for political demonstrations or unrest, given Adebayor’s historical association with political mobilization and unrests in the country since the coming to power of this Maada Bio-led SLPP Government.
While security concerns may justify government’s intervention, many see the cancellation as part of broader restrictions on public gatherings in an increasingly polarized political climate. The decision may fuel further tensions between the government and opposition supporters, reinforcing perceptions of political suppression.