By Brima Sannoh
Sierra Leone’s national cohesion remains under threat as deep-rooted tribalism continues to shape politics, governance, and social interactions. For decades, ethnic divisions have fueled exclusion, distrust, and uneven development, hindering the country’s progress.
With over a dozen ethnic groups, Sierra Leone boasts a rich cultural heritage. However, this diversity has often been exploited by politicians who manipulate tribal loyalties to consolidate power. Political appointments, policies, and development projects are frequently influenced by ethnic affiliations, leaving some communities marginalized and exacerbating social divisions.
Tribalism and Political Tensions
In recent years, tribalism has played a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape. During the 2023 elections, political affiliations were often dictated by ethnicity. In Pujehun District, a region considered a stronghold of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), tensions flared when opposition supporters alleged they were prevented from campaigning.
On June 18, 2023, the final day of campaigning, the All People’s Congress (APC) party, led by presidential candidate Dr. Samura Kamara, was reportedly blocked from entering Pujehun town. Clashes erupted, leading to vandalism of party offices and the displacement of several opposition supporters.
Osman Fofana, a trader in Pujehun, described how he fled after learning that APC supporters were being targeted. “I was lucky to escape unharmed. Some of my friends were beaten and lost significant amounts of money because they underestimated the threat,” he told ManoReporters.
Isata Koroma, a local businesswoman, recounted how she was attacked by people she had lived alongside for years. “I was shocked to see my own friends among those who came to harm me. Their message was clear: they did not want to see any Temne people in town,” she said.
Such incidents highlight how tribalism has evolved into a dangerous tool for political gain, with ethnic groups aligned to major parties; the SLPP associated with the Mende and the APC with the Temne.
Historical Context and the Lingering Effects of Tribalism
Sierra Leone endured a brutal civil war from 1991 to 2002, which claimed over 50,000 lives and left lasting scars on the nation. While the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) did not cite tribalism as a primary cause of the conflict, it acknowledged that ethnic divisions exacerbated hostilities, particularly between the Mende and Temne.
Despite efforts to rebuild, tribalism remains a pervasive issue, influencing governance, economic opportunities, and social interactions. Many young people, witnessing the entrenchment of tribal politics, have become disillusioned with national institutions, perceiving corruption and favoritism as insurmountable barriers to success.
Calls for National Unity
Amid growing concerns, civil society leaders are calling for urgent reforms to dismantle tribal-based political structures. Joseph Blackie, a member of the Human Rights Defenders Network in the southern region, believes Sierra Leone can redefine its trajectory by prioritizing unity and meritocracy.
“Political parties, educational institutions, businesses, and civil society organizations all have a role to play in promoting inclusivity and fairness,” he said.
Blackie also emphasized the need to implement recommendations from the TRC, arguing that had they been fully enacted, Sierra Leone might have been in a better position today.
Efforts to Promote Peace and Stability
To address ethnic divisions, the government convened the Bintumani III conference in 2019, bringing together political, religious, and civil society leaders to discuss national unity. This led to the establishment of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) in 2020, which has since mediated several conflicts, including disputes over land, property, and politics.
Titus Mohamed Kallon, head of the Peace Commission’s southern branch, noted that many conflicts in recent years have had political and ethnic undertones. “As a country, we should be learning from the civil war and working to prevent a return to those dark years,” he said.
Sierra Leone’s Global Peace Ranking
Despite internal challenges, Sierra Leone has been recognized for its efforts in peacebuilding. In 2023, it was ranked the most peaceful country in West Africa by the Global Peace Index, surpassing Ghana and Senegal. The ranking, produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace, reflects progress in maintaining stability, though underlying divisions remain.
As the country moves forward, many believe that true national cohesion can only be achieved when tribalism no longer dictates politics and social interactions. Until then, the battle for unity continues.
This article was produced with support from the African Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF) through the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) as part of efforts to change the narrative on transitional justice in Sierra Leone.
