By Sylvester Samai
The phrase “No Faith for Sierra Leone” encapsulates the deep-seated disillusionment and skepticism that many Sierra Leoneans feel under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio. When Bio was elected in 2018, his promises of a “New Direction” gave hope to a nation that had long suffered from political instability, economic hardship, and social inequality. However, six years into his presidency, that hope has been replaced by a profound sense of betrayal. This article explores the reasons behind this growing disillusionment, examining the key areas where President Bio’s administration has failed to deliver on its promises and the implications for the future of Sierra Leone.
Broken Promises and Unfulfilled Expectations
President Bio came into power with a bold vision of transforming Sierra Leone through significant reforms in education, healthcare, and governance. His “New Direction” agenda was intended to break away from the corruption and mismanagement that had characterized previous administrations. However, the reality has been far from the promises made.
One of the central tenets of Bio’s platform was the Free Quality Education initiative, which aimed to provide free primary and secondary education to all children in Sierra Leone. While the initiative has increased school enrollment, it has also been plagued by significant challenges. Overcrowded classrooms, insufficient teaching materials, and poorly trained teachers have all contributed to a decline in the quality of education. Parents and students alike have expressed frustration with the system, arguing that while education may be partially free, it is far from the quality that was promised.
However, according to Sierra Leoneans, for the fact that Bio has removed wavers, increased prices of both local and imported goods, including fuel, and the increment in university fees, the burden on taxes for mobile networks, the increment in Toll Gate fee, the unjust killings without any investigation, the unnecessary overseas travelling, the unjust dispensation of justice, electoral thefts and many more excesses of the present government amount to questioning the fate of Sierra Leone under president Bio’s rule.
However, in healthcare, the situation is equally dire. Bio’s administration pledged to improve the healthcare system, which had been devastated by the Ebola outbreak and remained underfunded and understaffed. Yet, despite some efforts to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in maternal and child health, the sector remains in a state of crisis. Hospitals and clinics lack basic supplies, and access to healthcare in rural areas is still limited. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the weaknesses in the healthcare system, leaving many Sierra Leoneans feeling abandoned by their government.
Economic Hardships and Austerity Measures
Economic instability has been a constant under Bio’s presidency, exacerbated by global factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and fluctuations in commodity prices. However, many of the economic challenges facing Sierra Leone are also the result of policy decisions made by Bio’s administration.
The failure to introduce austerity measures aimed at stabilizing the economy has had a devastating impact on ordinary Sierra Leoneans. Cuts to public spending have led to a decline in essential services, while inflation and currency depreciation have eroded the purchasing power of the population. The price of basic goods and services has skyrocketed, making it difficult for many families to afford even the most basic necessities.
Bio’s government has also been criticized for its handling of the mining sector, a key pillar of Sierra Leone’s economy. While the administration has sought to attract foreign investment in mining, these efforts have often come at the expense of local communities, who have seen little benefit from the exploitation of their natural resources. Environmental degradation, land disputes, and the displacement of local populations have all contributed to a growing sense of injustice and resentment.
Corruption and Governance Failures
One of the biggest disappointments of Bio’s presidency has been his failure to deliver on his promise to tackle corruption. While the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the recovery of stolen public funds have been lauded as successes, these efforts have been overshadowed by allegations of selective justice and political bias.
Critics argue that the fight against corruption has been used as a tool to target political opponents, rather than as a genuine effort to clean up the government. The lack of transparency in government procurement processes, the slow pace of judicial reforms, and the perceived impunity of certain political elites have all undermined public confidence in Bio’s anti-corruption drive.
Moreover, governance issues extend beyond corruption. Bio’s administration has been accused of centralizing power within the executive branch, sidelining the judiciary and legislature, and suppressing dissent. The government’s heavy-handed response to protests and opposition activities, particularly in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, has raised serious concerns about the state of democracy in Sierra Leone. The shrinking space for civil society and the media has further compounded fears of authoritarianism under Bio’s leadership.
Social Discontent and Rising Inequality
Under President Bio, social discontent has been on the rise, fueled by growing inequality and a sense of exclusion among large segments of the population. While Bio’s government has made little effort to address poverty through social protection programs and increased public sector wages, these measures have been insufficient to tackle the deep-rooted disparities that exist within the country.
The gap between urban and rural areas, as well as between different regions, continues to widen, exacerbating social tensions and undermining national cohesion. In Freetown, the capital city, the stark contrast between the affluent neighborhoods and the sprawling slums is a daily reminder of the inequality that persists under Bio’s leadership. The lack of opportunities for young people, particularly in rural areas, has led to a rise in youth unemployment, crime, and social unrest.
The situation has been further aggravated by the government’s failure to address the needs of marginalized groups, including women, ethnic minorities, and the disabled. Despite rhetoric about inclusivity and empowerment, many of these groups remain excluded from the political and economic processes that shape their lives. This sense of exclusion and marginalization has led to a growing sense of alienation and disillusionment with the Bio administration.
Human Rights and Democratic Backsliding
Human rights have come under increasing threat under President Bio’s leadership. The administration’s approach to dissent and opposition has been marked by a crackdown on civil liberties, raising serious concerns about the state of democratic governance in Sierra Leone.
Instances of police brutality, arbitrary arrests, and the detention of political activists have all been reported, casting a shadow over the government’s commitment to upholding fundamental freedoms. The 2023 general elections were particularly controversial, with widespread allegations of voter suppression, electoral irregularities, and post-election violence. The opposition’s claims of electoral fraud, coupled with the government’s heavy-handed response to protests, have deepened the political divide and eroded trust in the democratic process.
The administration’s treatment of the media has also been a cause for concern. Journalists who report on government corruption, human rights abuses, or other sensitive issues have faced harassment, intimidation, and even imprisonment. The passage of restrictive laws governing the media and civil society organizations has further curtailed freedom of expression and the ability of citizens to hold their government accountable.
The Erosion of National Unity
Under Bio’s leadership, the fragile national unity that Sierra Leone had struggled to build in the aftermath of its civil war has come under strain. The administration’s approach to governance, characterized by exclusionary politics and the marginalization of certain groups, has deepened ethnic and regional divisions.
The South-Eastern bias in political appointments and resource allocation has alienated people from other regions, particularly those in the North and Western regions. This has led to a sense of disenfranchisement and resentment among these communities, who feel that they are being sidelined by a government that is supposed to represent all Sierra Leoneans.
Moreover, the government’s response to dissent has often been to label critics as enemies of the state, further polarizing the political landscape. This “us versus them” mentality has eroded trust between the government and the people, making it difficult to build the kind of national consensus needed to address the country’s challenges.
International Relations and Sierra Leone’s Global Standing
On the international stage, Sierra Leone’s reputation has been tarnished under President Bio’s leadership. While the country has maintained relationships with key international partners, the internal governance issues and human rights concerns have attracted negative attention.
Bio’s government has been criticized by international organizations and foreign governments for its handling of elections, its crackdown on civil liberties, and its failure to address corruption effectively. This has resulted in strained relationships with some of Sierra Leone’s traditional allies and a decrease in foreign aid and investment, which are crucial for the country’s development.
Moreover, the administration’s approach to foreign policy has been inconsistent, with a tendency to prioritize short-term gains over long-term strategic interests. This has led to questions about Sierra Leone’s ability to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape and secure its place in the global economy.
The Future: A Nation at a Crossroads
Sierra Leone under President Bio is a nation at a crossroads. The disillusionment and lack of faith in his leadership are reflective of deeper issues that have plagued the country for decades—issues that Bio promised to address but has largely failed to resolve.
The next few years will be critical in determining the direction that Sierra Leone will take. Will the country continue down the path of authoritarianism, corruption, and economic stagnation? Or will there be a course correction that brings about the reforms needed to build a more inclusive, transparent, and prosperous society?
For Sierra Leone to move forward, it will require more than just new leadership. It will require a fundamental shift in the way the country is governed, with a focus on accountability, inclusivity, and the rule of law. It will also require the active participation of all Sierra Leoneans in the political process, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized and disenfranchised are heard and that their needs are addressed.
In conclusion, the phrase “No Faith for Sierra Leone” under President Bio is a reflection of the deep disappointment and disillusionment that many Sierra Leoneans feel today. The promises of a “New Direction” have largely gone unfulfilled, and the country faces significant challenges in terms of governance, economic stability, social cohesion, and human rights.
The fate of Sierra Leone now hangs in the balance, with the actions of the Bio administration and the response of the Sierra Leonean people determining whether the country can overcome these challenges and rebuild a better future. As the nation approaches a critical juncture, the need for change has never been more urgent, and the question of whether Sierra Leone can regain its faith in its leaders remains open.