The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is not just a political entity but a historic institution that has shaped the socio-political and economic trajectory of Sierra Leone for over seven decades. Founded in 1951, the SLPP has endured political turbulence, ideological shifts, and generational changes while remaining a dominant force in Sierra Leone’s politics. It has produced leaders like Sir Milton Margai, who led the country to independence, and Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, who restored peace after a brutal civil war. Today, as President Julius Maada Bio navigates his controversial second term, it is crucial to remind him of a cardinal truth: the SLPP is far bigger than him. This realization is not only essential for the party’s survival but also for the legacy of his leadership.
The SLPP: A Historic and Resilient Institution:
The SLPP is rooted in the history and identity of Sierra Leone. It emerged as a party of unity, advocating for self-governance and national development. Its founding fathers envisioned a political movement that transcended tribal, regional, and sectional interests. Over the decades, the SLPP has faced challenges, including political exile, military coups, and internal divisions. However, it has always managed to regroup, reinvent, and reestablish itself as a formidable political force.
This legacy underscores the resilience and adaptability of the SLPP. It is a party with a collective identity and vision that goes beyond any single individual. Presidents come and go, but the SLPP remains. President Bio must understand that his tenure is only a chapter in the SLPP’s long and storied history. Any attempt to personalize the party or prioritize his interests over its collective vision could have far-reaching consequences for both his leadership and the SLPP’s future.
The Cult of Personality vs. Party Unity:
One of the significant challenges facing the SLPP under President Bio is the growing perception that the party is becoming a vehicle for personal aggrandizement rather than a platform for national development. Since assuming office in 2018, President Bio has often been accused of sidelining party elders, alienating grassroots supporters, and centralizing power within a small circle of loyalists.
This approach has created tensions within the party, with many members feeling marginalized and disillusioned. The SLPP is not a one-man show; it is a collective effort. By just focusing on consolidating his power and influence, President Bio risks alienating the very people who have fought to keep the SLPP alive during its darkest moments. The party’s strength lies in its unity, inclusiveness, and ability to accommodate diverse perspectives.
A classic example of this tension is the growing friction between the older generation of SLPP stalwarts and the younger, more radical faction loyal to President Bio. While the latter may claim to represent change and progress, their aggressive tactics and exclusionary politics are eroding the party’s traditional support base. If President Bio continues to allow this division to fester, he risks leaving the SLPP weaker and more fragmented than he found it.
The Controversial Second Term: A Time for Reflection:
President Bio’s second term has been marred by controversy, from disputed election results to allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The promises of his first term, including the much-celebrated Free Quality Education initiative, have been overshadowed by growing public discontent over economic hardship, unemployment, and poor governance.
Rather than addressing these issues head-on, President Bio has often appeared more concerned with consolidating his legacy and silencing dissent. This has included targeting opposition voices, sidelining critical media, and suppressing internal party criticism. Such actions not only undermine democratic governance but also threaten the long-term stability of the SLPP.
As he embarks on his second term, President Bio must realize that his primary responsibility is to strengthen the SLPP, not weaken it. His leadership should focus on building a legacy that future generations can look back on with pride. This requires humility, inclusiveness, and a willingness to put the party’s interests above his selfish aggrandizement.
The SLPP’s Institutional Strength:
The SLPP has survived worse crises in the past. Its resilience lies in its institutional framework, which includes a well-established network of supporters, a rich ideological foundation, and a history of delivering on its promises. For President Bio to succeed, he must leverage these strengths rather than undermine them.
Key to this is respecting the party’s democratic processes and traditions. The SLPP has a long history of consensus-building and collective decision-making. By sidelining these processes, President Bio risks alienating key stakeholders and creating divisions that could take years to heal.
Moreover, the SLPP’s strength lies in its grassroots support. From the villages of Kailahun to the streets of Freetown, the SLPP has always been a party of the people. President Bio must reconnect with these grassroots supporters, listen to their concerns, and address their needs. This is not just a political imperative but a moral one.
Lessons from Past Leaders:
President Bio has much to learn from his predecessors in the SLPP. Leaders like Sir Milton Margai and Ahmed Tejan Kabbah understood that their role was to serve as stewards of the party and the nation, not as rulers. They prioritized unity, inclusiveness, and national development over personal ambition.
For instance, Sir Milton Margai’s leadership during the transition to independence was marked by his ability to bring together diverse factions and build a sense of national unity. Similarly, Ahmed Tejan Kabbah’s tenure was defined by his commitment to peace and reconciliation following the civil war. Both leaders understood that their legacy would be judged not by their personal achievements but by their ability to strengthen the SLPP and advance the nation’s interests.
President Bio must emulate this approach. His leadership should be guided by the principles of humility, service, and collective responsibility. By doing so, he can leave behind a legacy that not only strengthens the SLPP but also uplifts the nation.
The Path Forward: Reclaiming the SLPP’s Vision:
As President Bio completes his controversial second term, he has an opportunity to reset his relationship with the SLPP and the nation. This requires a genuine commitment to the party’s founding principles of unity, inclusiveness, and development.
First, President Bio must prioritize party unity. This includes reconciling with party elders, addressing the concerns of grassroots supporters, and creating space for diverse voices within the SLPP.
Second, he must refocus on governance. The challenges facing Sierra Leone, from economic hardship to social inequality, require bold and decisive action. By addressing these issues, President Bio can demonstrate that the SLPP remains a party of action and progress.
Finally, President Bio must recognize that his time in office is limited, but the SLPP’s legacy is not. His leadership should be aimed at strengthening the party for future generations. This includes mentoring young leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, and leaving behind a robust institutional framework.
The SLPP is an institution that transcends individuals. Its legacy is built on decades of struggle, resilience, and service to the people of Sierra Leone. As President Bio completes his second term, he must realize that the party is bigger than him. His leadership will be judged not by his personal achievements but by his ability to strengthen the SLPP and advance its vision for Sierra Leone.
In the end, President Bio has a choice: to be remembered as a leader who united and uplifted the SLPP, or as one who allowed personal ambition to undermine its legacy. The future of the SLPP—and by extension, Sierra Leone—depends on the path he chooses.