By Abdulrahman Rogers
In the midst of Sierra Leone’s challenges, Citizens Advocacy for Sustainable Development and Equal Rights Sierra Leone (CASDER-SL) stands witness to the obstacles that have afflicted our nation, obstructing the realization of a prosperous future for its citizens.
Recent events underscore a complex landscape marked by stunted development, political divides, and a growing sense of despair among the people. The scars of the past run deep, with Sierra Leone grappling with the aftermath of civil conflicts, natural disasters, and a series of misfortunes that have left the nation and its citizens in a state of hopelessness. The promise of progress seems elusive as the weight of historical burdens continues to impede the realization of a brighter future.
One of the most significant contributors to the current state of affairs is the undeniable political divide entrenched within our nation. This schism not only hampers collaborative efforts for sustainable development but also serves as a catalyst for instability, posing a direct threat to national security.
The echoes of this divide are felt across all sectors, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and discord.
President Julius Maada Bio’s national address on the 18th of January 2024, where he addressed the ongoing treason court case against former President Ernest Bai Koroma (EBK), added another layer to the complexities of Sierra Leone’s current situation.
Reading between the lines and observing the President’s body language, it becomes evident that there is a sense of incongruity in the narrative presented. As President Bio justified Ernest Bai Koroma’s medical leave to Nigeria amidst an ECOWAS request for his relocation due to speculations of his alleged involvement in the November 26th, 2023, failed coup, a variety of questions have arisen about the consistency of the government’s stance.
The President stated that “the Attorney General vehemently opposed the bail request put forward by EBK’s lawyers to facilitate the movement of the former President for specialized medical treatment outside Sierra Leone,” raising concerns about the government’s commitment to its manifesto promises and the state of our country’s health care system, which all past and present governments have presented as perfect.
President Bio, in his inaugural speech in 2018, committed to fighting three major issues holding Sierra Leone back since independence: (1) waging war on corruption, (2) addressing indiscipline, and (3) alleviating poverty. However, it appears as if none of these goals can be achieved in his lifetime, despite his firm stance to eliminate them. All efforts applied seem fruitless and face significant challenges, despite the well-crafted speeches he has delivered to Sierra Leoneans.
Unfortunately, the public’s perception of selective investigations undermines the credibility of the Anti-Corruption Commission. As Sierra Leoneans, we must demand a thorough and unbiased examination of corruption allegations to ensure justice is served, irrespective of the individual’s position or affiliation.
The current state of the corruption investigations, particularly against Hon. Paran Tarawally and his wife, raises questions about the impartiality of the Anti-Corruption Commission.
CASDER-SL, as a registered civil society group in Sierra Leone, remains committed to advocating for sustainable development, equal rights, and transparency. We urge all Sierra Leoneans to actively participate in shaping the future of our nation and to hold our leaders accountable for their promises.
Together, let us work towards a Sierra Leone where the dreams of its people are not overshadowed by the weight of past and present challenges.
Abdulrahman Rogers is the Executive Director of the Citizens Advocacy for Sustainable Development and Equal Rights Sierra Leone (CASDER-SL).
