By Cyllo Wise
The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is the oldest political party currently in Sierra Leone, with a history that stretches back to the days leading up to independence in 1961. Founded on the ideals of unity, progress, and development, the SLPP played a crucial role in the struggle for independence and positioned itself as the party of the people, promising to guide the newly independent nation towards prosperity. However, over the decades, the SLPP’s journey has been marred by a series of deceptions, broken promises, and a consistent failure to live up to its lofty ideals.
When Sierra Leone gained independence on April 27, 1961, the SLPP, under the leadership of Sir Milton Margai, was at the helm of power. The party’s early promises centered on building a unified and prosperous nation, free from the colonial shackles that had held the country back. Sir Milton Margai, a respected and moderate leader, was instrumental in guiding the country through its nascent years of independence. His government prioritized education, health, and infrastructural development, laying the foundation for a modern Sierra Leone.
However, despite these early successes, the SLPP soon began to show signs of internal strife and political opportunism. After Sir Milton’s death in 1964, his brother, Sir Albert Margai, took over as the leader of the SLPP and the Prime Minister of Sierra Leone. Sir Albert’s tenure marked the beginning of a series of deceptive practices that would come to define the SLPP’s approach to governance.
Sir Albert Margai’s leadership was characterized by a shift from the inclusive and moderate policies of his brother to a more authoritarian and ethnically divisive approach. He attempted to concentrate power in the hands of the SLPP elite and sidelined political opponents, leading to growing unrest and dissatisfaction among the populace. Sir Albert’s attempts to declare Sierra Leone a one-party state further alienated many Sierra Leoneans and set the stage for future conflicts. This period also saw the first significant rift between the SLPP and the people, as promises of democratic governance and national unity gave way to authoritarianism and division.
The SLPP’s fall from power in 1967 marked the beginning of a turbulent period in Sierra Leone’s history, characterized by military coups and political instability. After losing the 1967 elections to the All People’s Congress (APC) led by Siaka Stevens, the SLPP refused to accept the results, leading to a military coup that ousted the elected government. The ensuing years saw a series of coups and counter-coups, with the SLPP playing a significant role in the political machinations of that time.
During this period, the SLPP continued to promise a return to democratic governance and a commitment to the welfare of the people. However, these promises were often hollow, as the party’s actions were driven more by a desire to regain power than by a genuine commitment to the nation’s development. The SLPP’s involvement in these coups further eroded its credibility, as it became increasingly associated with political opportunism and instability rather than the democratic ideals it claimed to uphold.
The SLPP’s return to power in 1996, under the leadership of Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, was seen as a turning point for Sierra Leone. The country was in the midst of a brutal civil war, and the SLPP’s victory in the first democratic elections held after years of military rule brought hope for peace and stability. Kabbah’s government promised to end the war, restore democracy, and rebuild the nation’s shattered economy.
One of the most significant achievements of Kabbah’s administration was the signing of the Lomé Peace Accord in 1999, which officially ended the civil war. The SLPP also oversaw the disarmament of rebel groups and the reintegration of ex-combatants into society. However, despite these successes, the Kabbah administration soon became embroiled in corruption and inefficiency, failing to deliver on many of its promises.
The SLPP’s management of the country’s natural resources, particularly diamonds, became a focal point of criticism. Despite promises to use these resources for national development, the proceeds from diamond sales were often diverted into the pockets of corrupt officials. This failure to manage the country’s wealth effectively contributed to widespread poverty and disenchantment among Sierra Leoneans.
Moreover, the Kabbah administration’s efforts to rebuild the country’s infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems were inadequate. Many of the promises made during the election campaign remained unfulfilled, and the SLPP’s inability to deliver tangible results led to growing frustration among the population. By the time the 2007 elections came around, the SLPP’s popularity had waned significantly, and the party was defeated by the APC, led by Ernest Bai Koroma.
Following its defeat in the 2007 elections, the SLPP found itself in opposition for the first time in over a decade. During this period, the party portrayed itself as a force for change, criticizing the APC government’s handling of the economy and governance issues. The SLPP promised to bring about real change if returned to power, but its actions during this period suggested otherwise.
The party was plagued by internal divisions, with different factions vying for control. These divisions undermined the SLPP’s credibility and made it difficult for the party to present a united front against the APC. The SLPP’s leadership also failed to articulate a clear vision for the country, instead relying on populist rhetoric and vague promises that did little to inspire confidence among the electorate.
During this period, the SLPP also failed to hold the APC government accountable effectively. Despite its criticism of the APC, the SLPP was unable to present viable alternatives or challenge the government’s policies meaningfully. This lack of effective opposition allowed the APC to entrench itself in power and continue its own corrupt practices, leading to further disillusionment among the Sierra Leonean people.
In 2018, the SLPP, under the leadership of Julius Maada Bio, returned to power after a closely contested election. Bio, a former military leader who had briefly ruled the country in 1996, campaigned on a platform of change, promising to tackle corruption, improve education, and revitalize the economy. His campaign slogan, “New Direction,” captured the hopes of many Sierra Leoneans who were desperate for change after a decade of APC rule.
However, six years into Bio’s presidency, it has become clear that the “New Direction” was little more than a rebranding of the same old deceptions. Bio’s administration has been marred by the same issues that plagued previous SLPP governments: corruption, inefficiency, and broken promises.
One of the flagship initiatives of the Bio administration has been the Free Quality Education program, which aims to provide free primary and secondary education to all Sierra Leonean children. While the program has been lauded for its ambitious goals, its implementation has been fraught with challenges. Many schools lack the basic infrastructure and resources needed to provide quality education, and the government’s failure to address these issues has led to a situation where the promise of free quality education is more rhetoric than reality.
The Bio administration’s economic policies have also been inconsistent and poorly implemented, leading to a lack of investor confidence and continued economic stagnation. Corruption remains rampant, with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) accused of selective prosecution and failing to address systemic issues. The government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic further exposed its weaknesses, with reports of mismanagement of public funds and a lack of transparency in the distribution of aid.
In addition to these governance failures, Bio’s presidency has been marked by political repression and human rights violations. The government has used the security forces to suppress dissent and intimidate political opponents, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship. This repression has extended to the media, civil society organizations and opposition parties, undermining the democratic process and eroding public trust in the government.
The SLPP’s history since 1961 is a story of missed opportunities, broken promises, and a consistent failure to live up to the ideals of unity, progress, and development. The party’s deception has had profound consequences for Sierra Leone, contributing to the country’s ongoing struggles with poverty, corruption, and political instability.
The SLPP’s failure to manage the country’s natural resources effectively has left Sierra Leoneans impoverished, despite the nation’s wealth in minerals and other resources. The party’s inability to deliver on its promises of improved infrastructure, healthcare, and education has left the country’s social services in a dire state, further aggravating poverty and inequality.
Moreover, the SLPP’s use of divisive tactics and political repression has deepened ethnic and regional divides, undermining national unity and contributing to a climate of mistrust and fear. This has made it difficult for the country to move forward and achieve the peace and stability that the SLPP once promised.
For Sierra Leone to move beyond the cycle of deception and betrayal, the SLPP must undergo a fundamental transformation. The party must prioritize accountability and transparency in its governance, addressing corruption within its ranks and promoting greater transparency in the management of public resources.
To move forward, the SLPP must undergo a profound transformation, one that is not merely cosmetic but rooted in genuine commitment to the principles of good governance, transparency, and service to the people. The party must recognize that the path it has tread since 1961 has led to the erosion of public trust and the weakening of Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions. Only by embracing a new paradigm of leadership—one that prioritizes accountability, inclusivity, and the well-being of all Sierra Leoneans—can the SLPP hope to reclaim its position as a true agent of progress.
The SLPP’s journey over the past decades serves as a reminder that political power is not an end in itself but a means to serve the greater good. The party must recommit to the values that once made it a symbol of hope and progress, and in doing so, rebuild its legacy not on the foundation of broken promises but on the fulfillment of the aspirations of the Sierra Leonean people. The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now. Only through this reformation can the SLPP hope to restore the trust and confidence of a nation that has been betrayed too many times.
For Sierra Leone to move beyond the cycle of deception and betrayal, the SLPP must undergo a fundamental transformation. The party must prioritize accountability and transparency in its governance, addressing corruption within its ranks and promoting greater transparency in the management of public resources. The SLPP must also move away from the politics of division and repression, embracing a more inclusive approach that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of their ethnic or regional backgrounds.
To restore trust in the SLPP and the broader political system, there needs to be a renewed commitment to the principles of democracy and the rule of law. This means upholding the rights of citizens to freely express their views and engage in political activities without fear of repression. The SLPP must also strengthen institutions like the Anti-Corruption Commission, ensuring they operate independently and effectively to combat corruption at all levels.
In addition, the SLPP must focus on delivering tangible results in areas like education, healthcare, and economic development. This requires not just the announcement of grand initiatives but a genuine commitment to implementing policies that benefit the people. The Free Quality Education program, for example, must be backed by adequate funding and resources to ensure that it achieves its intended goals.
Finally, the SLPP must engage in a process of introspection and reform, recognizing its past mistakes and taking concrete steps to avoid repeating them. This involves listening to the concerns of the people, engaging in meaningful dialogue with opposition parties and civil society, and working towards building a more just and equitable society.
The history of the SLPP since 1961 is a cautionary tale of how a party that once held the hopes and dreams of a newly independent nation can fall into the trap of deception and self-interest. The SLPP’s failures have not only undermined its own credibility but have also contributed to the persistent challenges facing Sierra Leone today. As the country looks to the future, it is imperative that the SLPP—and indeed all political parties in Sierra Leone—learn from the past and commit to a new era of honesty, accountability, and genuine service to the people.
The road ahead will not be easy, but with the right leadership and a renewed focus on the common good, Sierra Leone can overcome its challenges and build the prosperous and united nation that its founders envisioned. The SLPP has a critical role to play in this process, but only if it is willing to confront its past, embrace reform, and truly put the interests of the people above all else. The time for the SLPP deception is over; the time for genuine change is now.
