Sierra Leone, a small nation with a turbulent political history, stands at a critical juncture as the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) grapples with a growing sense of instability. Since its victory in the 2018 elections under President Julius Maada Bio, the party has faced mounting criticisms over its governance, handling of the economy, and internal leadership struggles. While the SLPP had once ignited hope among the people, promising economic reform, better governance, and unity, the trajectory of its rule suggests otherwise. As political infighting, economic mismanagement, and social discontent grow, it seems that the SLPP’s time is running out.
In 2018, the SLPP’s return to power was seen by many as a fresh start for Sierra Leone. Julius Maada Bio, who had briefly led the country in the 1990s, returned as the presidential candidate promising a new era of leadership. His campaign resonated with a populace exhausted by the corruption and inefficiencies of the previous administration under the All People’s Congress (APC). The SLPP ran on a platform of transparency, economic reform, and development — offering the tantalizing promise of a brighter future.
The SLPP’s slogan, “New Direction,” struck a chord. People believed that Bio and his party had learned from the past and were ready to lead Sierra Leone towards recovery. The promise of Free Quality Education (FQE) was one of the party’s flagship policies, and it gave hope to millions of families who saw education as the path out of poverty. The SLPP had a clear path forward, and many believed they would usher in a new era of growth and prosperity.
However, the political honeymoon did not last long. The weight of expectations quickly became a burden for the SLPP as internal party conflicts began to emerge, revealing deep cracks within the leadership structure.
Despite a promising start, the SLPP’s performance in government soon began to falter. Early in President Bio’s administration, cracks began to show in the party’s ability to govern effectively. Promised reforms were slow to materialize, and many of the issues that had plagued previous governments — corruption, inefficiency, and political patronage — persisted under SLPP leadership.
The economy, which was a cornerstone of Bio’s campaign promises, has faced severe challenges during his presidency. Inflation has continued to rise, and the cost of living has become unbearable for ordinary Sierra Leoneans. While the government frequently blames external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic pressures, many critics argue that the administration’s economic mismanagement has exacerbated the situation.
A glaring example of this is the much-publicized “Feed Salone” initiative, which was meant to boost agricultural production and ensure food security. Despite the lofty promises, the project has struggled to take off, and food prices continue to soar. Many have come to view Feed Salone as little more than a political gimmick, with few tangible benefits for the people.
Moreover, corruption scandals have plagued the Bio administration, casting a dark shadow over its claims of transparency and accountability. Reports of misappropriation of public funds and dubious contracts have eroded public trust in the government. This has led many to question whether the SLPP is truly capable of managing the nation’s finances effectively.
The Free Quality Education initiative, which had been a beacon of hope for many, has also fallen short of expectations. While the program initially garnered praise for increasing access to education, the quality of education has remained a major concern. Schools are overcrowded, teachers are underpaid, and learning materials are often in short supply. The SLPP’s failure to address these issues has led to growing disillusionment among parents and educators alike.
What was once heralded as a transformative policy now feels like an empty promise to many. The government’s inability to properly fund and manage the program has sparked widespread frustration, and it has become a symbol of the broader failings of the SLPP administration.
Another significant challenge facing the SLPP is the issue of unemployment, particularly among the youth. Sierra Leone’s young population, which makes up a significant portion of the electorate, had high hopes for economic opportunities under Bio’s leadership. However, job creation has been sluggish, and many young people feel abandoned by a government that promised them a better future.
This growing disillusionment has manifested itself in social unrest, with protests and strikes becoming more frequent across the country. The government’s response to these demonstrations has often been heavy-handed, leading to further alienation of the populace. Many see the SLPP’s failure to address the root causes of social discontent as a sign that the party is out of touch with the needs of the people.
Perhaps the most significant threat to the SLPP’s continued dominance comes from within. Internal divisions have plagued the party throughout Bio’s presidency, with factions forming around key figures in the government. These divisions have only deepened in recent years, as various leaders jockey for position in the race to succeed President Bio.
One of the most prominent sources of internal strife within the SLPP is the growing rift between the younger generation of party members and the older, more established figures. The younger members, who represent a new generation of leadership, have grown increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of reform and the entrenchment of patronage politics within the party. They argue that the older generation, including many of Bio’s closest allies, is holding back the party’s progress and preventing meaningful change.
This internal conflict has spilled out into the public domain on several occasions, with senior party figures openly criticizing one another in the media. The growing infighting has created a sense of chaos within the party, further undermining its ability to govern effectively.
As President Bio approaches the end of his term, the question of succession has become a major source of tension within the SLPP. Several high-profile figures, including the Chief Minister and the First Lady, are rumored to be positioning themselves for a run at the presidency. This has created a power struggle within the party, as various factions vie for influence and control over the future direction of the SLPP.
The looming succession battle has paralyzed the party’s leadership, with key figures more focused on securing their own political futures than addressing the urgent needs of the country. This has further eroded public confidence in the SLPP, as many see the party as more concerned with internal power struggles than with governing.
As the SLPP grapples with its internal problems, the political landscape in Sierra Leone is beginning to shift. The opposition, particularly the APC, has been quietly rebuilding its base and positioning itself as a viable alternative to the SLPP. After the defeat in the 2018 election, the APC has undergone significant restructuring, learning from past mistakes and seeking to capitalize on the SLPP’s failures.
One of the most prominent figures in the APC’s resurgence is Samura Kamara, the party’s presidential candidate in 2018. Kamara has continued to maintain a strong presence in Sierra Leonean politics, using his platform to criticize the Bio administration’s handling of the economy and governance. He has gained a significant following, particularly among the youth, who are disillusioned with the SLPP’s inability to deliver on its promises.
Kamara’s growing popularity poses a serious threat to the SLPP in the upcoming elections. His message of economic reform and political stability has resonated with many Sierra Leoneans who feel left behind by the current administration. The APC’s ability to present a united front and offer a clear alternative to the SLPP could spell the end of Bio’s reign.
Civil society groups, which have historically played a crucial role in holding the government accountable, have also become more vocal in their criticisms of the SLPP. These organizations have called out the administration’s corruption, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement, further weakening public trust in the party.
The increasing influence of civil society in shaping public opinion has emboldened the opposition and created a more vibrant political discourse in Sierra Leone. As more citizens engage with these issues, the SLPP’s grip on power appears increasingly tenuous.
With growing public dissatisfaction, economic challenges, and internal strife, it is clear that the SLPP’s time is running out. The party, once seen as a beacon of hope for Sierra Leone’s future, has become bogged down in the very problems it promised to solve. As the country prepares for the next elections, the question is no longer whether the SLPP can turn things around but whether it can survive the political storm that is brewing.
decisive moment in Sierra Leone’s political history. For the SLPP, these elections could either represent a final chance at redemption or mark the party’s inevitable fall from grace. As the electorate becomes increasingly disillusioned with the party’s performance in office, the SLPP faces a monumental task: regaining the trust of the people.
However, with the economy in turmoil, social discontent mounting, and internal party divisions widening, the road to victory looks perilous. The SLPP must confront its internal struggles and prove that it can still govern effectively — but time is not on its side. The longer these issues remain unresolved, the slimmer the party’s chances of retaining power.
Sierra Leone’s voters are no longer willing to accept empty promises. The electorate has become more discerning and demands tangible results, not just lofty rhetoric. The SLPP will face a determined opposition, a more organized civil society, and an electorate that has been burned by unmet expectations. While loyalty to party lines has traditionally played a significant role in Sierra Leone’s elections, the country’s current socio-economic climate could lead to a shift in voting behavior.
The rise of social media and access to information has empowered citizens, allowing them to scrutinize government actions more closely. This increased awareness means that the SLPP cannot rely solely on past loyalties. It must offer real solutions to the country’s problems — and quickly — or risk being swept aside by a wave of popular discontent.
Sierra Leone’s political history is filled with examples of once-dominant parties falling from power due to a failure to adapt to changing circumstances. The APC, which ruled for over two decades before being ousted by the SLPP in the 1990s, serves as a cautionary tale. The APC’s inability to address corruption, economic stagnation, and public dissatisfaction eventually led to its downfall.
The SLPP now finds itself in a similar position. After years of promises and underwhelming delivery, the party is at risk of being remembered not for its achievements but for its missed opportunities and internal conflicts. Just as the APC once struggled to maintain its grip on power, the SLPP must now contend with a rapidly changing political landscape that it may no longer be equipped to navigate.
The key lesson here is that political parties, no matter how strong or entrenched, are not immune to the forces of change. If the SLPP cannot find a way to restore public confidence, its reign could come to an abrupt and definitive end.
As the SLPP approaches what could be its final chapter, the question of its legacy looms large. Will the party be remembered as a force for positive change in Sierra Leone’s history, or will it be seen as yet another administration that failed to live up to its promises?
The Free Quality Education initiative, despite its challenges, remains one of the SLPP’s most notable achievements. But the program alone cannot carry the party through the next election cycle. The SLPP must address the broader issues facing the nation — economic stagnation, corruption, social inequality, and political infighting — if it hopes to leave a lasting, positive impact.
The coming months will be crucial for the SLPP. It must take decisive action to correct its course or face the possibility of fading into political obscurity.
As Sierra Leone looks to the future, one thing is clear: the country stands at a political crossroads. The SLPP, once a symbol of hope and progress, now finds itself in a precarious position. Economic mismanagement, internal strife, and growing opposition have eroded the party’s standing among the people, and the once bright future it promised now seems distant.
With the 2028 elections approaching, the SLPP faces the fight of its political life. Time is running out for the party to deliver on its promises and convince the electorate that it is still the right choice to lead Sierra Leone. But with an increasingly frustrated populace and a resurgent opposition, the SLPP may find that its time in power is nearing its end.
The legacy of the SLPP and President Bio will be determined in the next few years. Whether they manage to turn the tide or fall victim to the same political forces that have undone previous administrations remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Sierra Leone stands on the brink of significant political change, and the SLPP must adapt or risk being swept away by the winds of history.
