The phrase ‘When Salone go sweet again?’ has become a common cry among citizens of Sierra Leone who long for a better future. From the capital city of Freetown to the rural villages, the frustrations of the people are evident. The rising cost of living, high unemployment, poor governance, and lack of basic services have made daily survival a challenge for the average Sierra Leonean.
But when will Sierra Leone be sweet again? Will the country ever return to a time when citizens can thrive, when hope replaces despair, and when the promise of a brighter future becomes a reality? To answer this question, we must first understand the struggles that have led to the current state of discontent and explore what it will take to restore Sierra Leone to the glory its people desperately seek.
The Past: Was Sierra Leone Ever Sweet?
For many older Sierra Leoneans, there was a time when the country was indeed “sweet.” Before the civil war (1991-2002), Sierra Leone was known for its rich natural resources, peaceful coexistence among tribes, and a strong agricultural base. The economy was relatively stable, and social structures functioned well.
However, the civil war shattered the foundation of the country, leaving a legacy of destruction, division, and underdevelopment. Even after the war ended, Sierra Leone has struggled to rebuild itself, plagued by poor leadership, corruption, and economic mismanagement. While some progress has been made, many citizens feel that life has only become more difficult.
The Present: Why Sierra Leone is Not Sweet Anymore-Economic Hardship and Rising Poverty:
The cost of living in Sierra Leone has skyrocketed. Basic necessities such as rice, fuel, and electricity are becoming unaffordable for ordinary citizens. The country remains heavily dependent on imports, and inflation continues to weaken the purchasing power of its people. Unemployment is at an all-time high, with many graduates struggling to find meaningful jobs. The informal sector, where most people survive, is suffocating under harsh economic conditions.
Corruption and Poor Governance:
Corruption remains one of the biggest obstacles to national development. Successive governments, both APC and SLPP, have promised to fight corruption but have failed to deliver meaningful results. Public funds meant for healthcare, education, and infrastructure development often disappear into the hands of corrupt politicians and their allies. Until Sierra Leone has leaders who truly prioritize the needs of the people over personal gain, the country will continue to struggle.
Political Instability and Division:
Politics in Sierra Leone has become more of a battlefield than a platform for national progress. The deep division between political parties, particularly the APC and SLPP, has turned governance into a contest of power rather than service. Instead of focusing on development, politicians spend time engaging in tribal politics, vendettas, and self-preservation. This political instability discourages investment, slows economic growth, and creates uncertainty about the future.
Failing Education and Healthcare Systems:
Sierra Leone’s education system, despite the much-praised Free Quality Education (FQE) initiative, is failing. Schools lack adequate resources, teachers are underpaid, and the quality of learning is poor. Many graduates leave school without the skills needed to compete in a modern economy.
The healthcare system is equally in crisis. Public hospitals lack essential medical supplies, and many Sierra Leoneans cannot afford quality healthcare. Maternal and child mortality rates remain among the highest in the world. Without proper investment in education and healthcare, the future of the country remains bleak.
Food Insecurity and Agricultural Failure:
Sierra Leone has the land and climate to produce enough food to feed its population, yet the country remains heavily dependent on food imports. The government’s Feed Salone initiative has failed to make any significant impact, and local farmers lack the necessary support to increase production. Hunger and malnutrition remain widespread, making life difficult for many families.
Youth Unemployment and Drug Abuse:
The youth of Sierra Leone, who should be the driving force of the economy, are facing an uncertain future. Many young people are jobless, and the lack of opportunities has led to frustration and hopelessness. The rise of drug abuse, especially the deadly synthetic drug Kush, has become a national crisis. Young men and women who should be contributing to the country’s development are being lost to addiction. If urgent measures are not taken, an entire generation may be doomed.
The Future: How Can Sierra Leone Be Sweet Again? Honest and Accountable Leadership:
Sierra Leone needs leaders who are committed to national development rather than personal enrichment. Accountability, transparency, and a genuine fight against corruption must become priorities. Without good governance, no amount of foreign aid or resources will improve the country.
Economic Revival and Job Creation:
The government must prioritize economic reforms that create jobs and reduce dependency on imports. Investment in industries such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing can create employment opportunities for the youth. More support should also be given to entrepreneurs and small businesses, as they are key drivers of economic growth.
Education and Skills Development:
A strong education system is the foundation of any successful nation. Sierra Leone must invest in vocational training and technical education to equip young people with skills that match the demands of the job market. The Free Quality Education program needs a complete overhaul to ensure it delivers real results.
Agricultural Transformation:
To achieve food security, Sierra Leone must invest in large-scale commercial farming and support local farmers with modern tools, irrigation systems, and access to markets. Dependence on rice imports must be reduced, and initiatives like Feed Salone must be properly managed to ensure results. Strengthening National Unity
Tribal and regional politics have done more harm than good to Sierra Leone. For the country to progress, unity must be prioritized over political rivalry. Leaders must work towards a national agenda rather than policies that benefit only their political parties or ethnic groups.
Tackling Drug Abuse and Youth Empowerment:
The government must take the drug crisis seriously by implementing rehabilitation programs, creating job opportunities, and providing youth with positive alternatives to crime and drug use. An idle youth population is a danger to national security and development.
When Will Sierra Leone Be Sweet Again?
Sierra Leone will only be sweet again when its leaders take responsibility, when corruption is eradicated, and when the people demand accountability from those in power. It will be sweet again when citizens can afford basic necessities, when jobs are available, when hospitals provide quality care, and when children receive a proper education.
The dream of a better Sierra Leone is not impossible, but it requires action, sacrifice, and commitment from both the government and the people. Until then, the question “When Salone go swit again?” will continue to echo in the streets, unanswered.
It is time for a new direction. Sierra Leone deserves better. The people deserve better. And the future must be built today.