In the grand sweep of history, political leadership is always temporary. However, the legacy and the impact of a leader on their nation often transcend their time in office. This truth applies to Sierra Leone’s current President, Julius Maada Bio, whose time in power will inevitably soon come to an end in 2028. Like all leaders before him, Bio will one day leave the highest office of the land. But what will he leave behind? What will be the state of Sierra Leone when that day comes?
President Bio, a military man turned politician, took office in April 2018 after a contested election that saw him defeat the then-ruling All People’s Congress (APC) party presidential candidate Dr Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara. He came to power on a wave of optimism, promising to tackle corruption, revitalize the national economy, and implement sweeping reforms, most notably in education and in the entire public sector. As his presidency approaches its final stages, it is crucial to examine the successes, failures, and enduring challenges that will shape his legacy.
Julius Maada Bio’s political journey is rooted in his military background. In 1996, as part of a military junta, he briefly held power as the head of state after overthrowing the previous military regime. Bio handed over power to a democratically elected civilian government after elections, a move that earned him a reputation as a leader who respects democracy—a key selling point during his 2018 presidential campaign.
When Bio returned to the political scene, he ran on a platform that promised to prioritize key sectors such as education, healthcare, and governance reform. His slogan, the “New Direction,” symbolized his aspiration to steer Sierra Leone away from the alleged mismanagement and corruption that characterized the previous regime under former president Ernest Bai Koroma. Bio promised a fresh start and a path towards a sustainable development for Sierra Leone.
One of the key promises that defined Bio’s ascent to power was his commitment to providing Free Quality Education (FQE) for all children in Sierra Leone.
Upon assuming office, he launched the ambitious initiative, which became the flagship policy of his government. The FQE programme aimed at expanding access to education, improve the quality of learning, and equip Sierra Leone’s youth with the skills needed to drive national development. Bio’s focus on education was widely praised, both domestically and internationally. He was hailed as a visionary leader who understood that education was the cornerstone of a prosperous society. For many Sierra Leoneans, the promise of free and quality education represented hope for a better future.
President Bio’s administration took office with a pledge to root out corruption, which had long plagued Sierra Leone’s public institutions. The president empowered the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and gave it the mandate to pursue public officials who were involved in graft. This led to high-profile prosecutions and the recovery of significant amounts of stolen public funds.
However, while some strides were made in tackling corruption, critics have accused the Bio administration of selective justice, alleging that anti-corruption efforts have been disproportionately aimed at political opponents while shielding those within his own governing Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) party. This has raised questions about the sincerity and fairness of his anti-corruption crusade.
One of the significant achievements under Bio’s leadership was the introduction of judicial reforms aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s legal system. In September 2023, the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 was introduced, which sought to streamline legal processes, reduce case backlogs, and ensure timely access to justice for all citizens.
While these reforms were necessary and long overdue, their implementation has faced hurdles, including accusations of political interference in the judiciary. Critics argue that for the reforms to be fully effective, the judiciary must remain independent, free from external pressures, and focused on delivering justice to all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
Economically, President Bio’s administration has faced significant challenges. Sierra Leone’s economy remains largely dependent on the mining sector, particularly diamonds and iron ore, which exposes the country to global commodity price fluctuations. Despite efforts to diversify the economy and promote other sectors, such as agriculture and tourism, progress has been slow.
The government’s economic policies have also faced criticism for not doing enough to create jobs or stimulate sustainable growth. Many Sierra Leoneans, particularly young people, continue to face high levels of unemployment, leading to widespread frustration and disillusionment.
Like many nations, Sierra Leone’s economy was severely impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The health crisis disrupted trade, tourism, and investment, exacerbating existing economic vulnerabilities. Despite the government’s efforts to provide relief, the economic impact of the pandemic has been long-lasting, and recovery has been sluggish.
The pandemic also highlighted Sierra Leone’s fragile healthcare system, which, despite some improvements, remains under-resourced and ill-equipped to handle large-scale health emergencies. Bio’s administration has since taken steps to strengthen the healthcare sector, but systemic challenges persist.
Under President Bio, inflation has remained a persistent problem, contributing to the rising cost of living for many Sierra Leoneans. Food prices, in particular, have soared, leading to concerns about food security. The government’s ‘Feed Salone’ project, which is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and reduce reliance on food imports, has had limited success in addressing these challenges.
As the cost of living continues to rise, President Bio’s government has faced growing public pressure to find solutions to alleviate the economic burdens on ordinary citizens.
Throughout his tenure, President Bio’s administration has faced accusations of human rights violations, including crackdowns on political dissent and freedom of the press. Opposition parties and Civil Society Organizations have accused the government of using state security forces to intimidate and harass political opponents, particularly in the wake of contested elections and public protests.
In August 2022, violent protests broke out in several cities, driven by economic hardships and political grievances. The government’s response to these protests was swift and forceful, leading to deaths, injuries, and widespread condemnation from human rights organizations. Critics argue that the government’s handling of dissent has undermined its democratic credentials.
As President Bio’s second and final term approaches its end, internal struggles within the ruling SLPP have intensified. The question of who will succeed Bio has sparked fierce competition and power plays within the party, with factions jockeying for influence and positioning themselves for the 2028 elections.
This internal power struggle has led to tensions between younger SLPP members, who advocate for progressive reforms, and older party elites, who favour maintaining the status quo. The succession battle is expected to define the future direction of the party, as well as its prospects for retaining power in the next election.
As the end of his presidency draws nearer, President Bio’s legacy remains a subject of debate. While his government has made notable achievements, particularly in education, judicial reforms, and anti-corruption efforts, it has also been marred by controversies, economic struggles, and accusations of human rights abuses.
Undoubtedly, President Bio’s Free Quality Education programme will be one of the defining legacies of his time in office. The initiative has provided millions of children with access to education, significantly reducing the financial burden on families. However, questions remain about the quality of education being delivered and the long-term sustainability of the programme.
In addition to education, Bio’s administration has also made strides in promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and healthcare reform. These social reforms, while imperfect, have laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Unresolved Economic and Governance Challenges
However, Bio’s legacy will also be shaped by the unresolved challenges facing Sierra Leone. The country’s economy remains fragile, with high levels of unemployment, inflation, and poverty. The government’s inability to effectively address these economic issues has led to widespread public discontent.
Additionally, the allegations of corruption, human rights violations, and political interference in institutions have cast a shadow over Bio’s presidency. For many Sierra Leoneans, these issues represent a betrayal of the promises of transparency and accountability that Bio made when he first came to power.
As President Bio prepares to leave office come 2028, Sierra Leone is sets to face an uncertain future. The country’s next leader will inherit a nation that shall be still grappling with deep-seated challenges but also one with immense potential for growth and development. The next administration will need to build on Bio’s successes while addressing the shortcomings of his government.
One thing is clear: Sierra Leone’s future will depend on the strength of its institutions, the resilience of its people, and the ability of its leaders to rise above political divisions and work toward a common goal of national prosperity.
President Bio will go one day and leave power, as all leaders do. His departure will mark the end of an era in Sierra Leonean politics, but it will also open a new chapter for the country. What that chapter will look like depends on the choices Sierra Leoneans make in the years to come.
President Bio will one day step down, as is the inevitable course of political life. His departure will signal the conclusion of his presidency and the beginning of a new phase for Sierra Leone. As we reflect on his tenure, it becomes evident that his legacy will be a blend of achievements and ongoing challenges.
The Free Quality Education programme and judicial reforms represent significant strides toward progress, yet the economic struggles and allegations of human rights abuses reveal the complexities and difficulties faced during his administration. The true measure of Bio’s impact will be seen in how his successors address these unresolved issues and build upon the groundwork laid during his presidency.
Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads, with an opportunity to learn from both the successes and shortcomings of Bio’s leadership. The nation’s future will be shaped by the strength of its institutions, the resilience of its citizens, and the vision of its new leaders. As President Bio’s time in office draws to a close, it is imperative for Sierra Leoneans to engage actively in shaping the country’s path forward, ensuring that the promises made are fully realized and that the challenges of the past are addressed with renewed determination.
The end of President Bio’s era will indeed mark a significant transition, but it also offers a chance for Sierra Leone to renew its commitment to growth, justice, and prosperity. The coming years will test the nation’s ability to build on its experiences and strive for a future that fulfils the hopes and aspirations of its people.
