Rebuttal to President Julius Maada Bio’s New Year’s Message

Introduction

Mr. President, while your New Year’s message seeks to inspire hope and confidence in Sierra Leoneans, it falls short of addressing the reality of our nation’s challenges. Your rhetoric does not align with the lived experiences of Sierra Leoneans who are grappling with political instability, economic hardship, and the erosion of democratic values. As Concerned Sierra Leoneans, we feel compelled to present a strong rebuttal to your message, highlighting the discrepancies between your claims and the prevailing realities.

1. Reflection on Sierra Leone’s Challenges

You alluded to the “unwavering spirit of Sierra Leoneans” in overcoming challenges, yet you failed to acknowledge the systemic issues exacerbated by your administration:

• Democratic Erosion: Under your leadership, Sierra Leone has seen repeated violations of democratic norms. The June 2023 elections were marred by irregularities, as evidenced by the Tripartite Review, which produced 84 recommendations proving beyond doubt that your government lacks a legitimate mandate.
• Extrajudicial Killings: The past six years have been characterized by the suppression of dissent, including the violent crackdown on peaceful protests and extrajudicial killings. This has fostered fear and disillusionment among citizens, making it impossible for them to freely express their grievances.
• Economic Mismanagement: While you claim strides in economic progress, the harsh reality is that inflation remains high, basic commodities are unaffordable, and unemployment is rampant. Many Sierra Leoneans struggle daily to make ends meet, and your administration has not provided tangible solutions to alleviate their suffering.

2. Economic Promises and Realities

You emphasized your government’s commitment to economic growth and stability, yet the evidence suggests otherwise:

• Inflation and Food Insecurity: Despite your pledge to reduce inflation and diversify agriculture, Sierra Leoneans continue to face soaring food prices and limited access to basic necessities. The “Feed Salone” program has failed to deliver meaningful results for the average farmer.
• Mismanagement of Resources: Your government’s track record in managing natural resources, including the mining sector, has been marked by corruption and inefficiency. The wealth from our natural resources has not translated into tangible benefits for the majority of citizens.
• Energy Sector Failures: While the $480 million MCC compact is commendable, energy access remains unreliable for most households and businesses. Promises of renewable energy investments have yet to materialize in any significant way.

3. Climate Change and Environmental Management

You highlighted your government’s commitment to addressing climate change, but your actions have not matched your words:

• Deforestation and Environmental Degradation: Rampant deforestation and illegal mining continue to devastate Sierra Leone’s environment, with little to no enforcement of existing environmental regulations.
• Lack of Concrete Plans: Your promise to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for climate change lacks specificity and urgency. Without immediate action, the adverse effects of climate change will continue to worsen, impacting agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

4. Education and Youth Empowerment

Your claims about improving access to education and youth empowerment fail to acknowledge the significant gaps:

• Quality Over Access: While enrollment rates may have increased, the quality of education remains alarmingly poor. Many schools lack basic facilities, and teachers are underpaid and undertrained.
• Youth Unemployment: Despite promises of job creation, youth unemployment remains one of Sierra Leone’s most pressing issues. Opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and other sectors have not materialized for the majority of young people.
• Skill Development: Investments in vocational training and entrepreneurship remain insufficient to equip our youth with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.

5. Governance and Accountability

Your administration’s track record on governance undermines your message of hope and determination:

• Corruption: Corruption continues to permeate every level of government, eroding public trust and diverting resources away from critical development needs. I would like to remind you, President Bio, that, under your failed leadership, the respected Auditor General and her deputy were unjustly dismissed for diligently carrying out their responsibilities. This action was taken despite strong calls from both international and local organizations urging the government to refrain from such a move, highlighting a blatant disregard for transparency and accountability.
• Judicial Independence: under your administration, Sierra Leone has seen an alarming lack of stability in key judicial and legal institutions. We have witnessed the appointment and subsequent removal of three Chief Justices and five Attorneys General within a relatively short period. This frequent turnover undermines the independence of the judiciary and legal system, erodes public trust, and raises serious questions about the commitment of your government to upholding the rule of law and maintaining institutional integrity.
• Suppression of Dissent: Citizens’ voices have been silenced through intimidation, unlawful detentions, and the restriction of freedoms. This is not the hallmark of a government committed to democracy and progress.
• Tripartite Review Findings: The international community and Sierra Leoneans alike are aware that the June 2023 elections were not free, fair, or credible. Ignoring these findings and clinging to power delegitimizes your administration.

Conclusion: A Call for Genuine Change

Mr. President, while you call for “bold action” and “commitment,” what Sierra Leone truly needs is genuine leadership that prioritizes the needs of its people over political expediency. The people of Sierra Leone deserve a government that:

1. Respects and upholds democratic principles, including free and fair elections.
2. Tackles corruption head-on and ensures transparent management of public resources.
3. Addresses the root causes of poverty and unemployment with actionable solutions.
4. Restores public trust by ending the cycle of violence and repression.

Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads, and the decisions made today will determine the trajectory of our nation for generations to come. The people’s unwavering spirit is not enough; they need leadership that reflects their aspirations and delivers tangible results. Anything less is a disservice to the land that we all love.

CREDIT: Mohamed A Warisay, USA