Sierra Leone stands at a critical juncture as it approaches the 2028 elections. The nation’s trajectory over the past decade has been marked by economic hardship, political tensions, and deepening socio-economic struggles. While the government touts its achievements, the reality for ordinary Sierra Leoneans is one of rising inflation, increasing unemployment, political polarization, and growing public discontent.
As 2028 looms, Sierra Leoneans must confront pressing questions: Will the country break free from the cycle of economic stagnation and political instability? Can the ruling government restore public trust, or will the opposition capitalize on dissatisfaction to secure victory? Most importantly, will the elections bring real change, or will they deepen divisions and perpetuate the status quo?
The Economic Crossroads: A Nation in Financial Crisis
Sierra Leone’s economy is at a breaking point. Despite ambitious government policies and international aid, the economic reality for most citizens remains bleak. High inflation, a weakening currency, poor agricultural productivity, and a struggling business environment have left the country in a dire state.
Inflation and the Cost of Living Crisis
Soaring Food Prices: Basic commodities such as rice, oil, and sugar have become unaffordable for many. The Feed Salone initiative, meant to boost agricultural production, has failed to yield tangible results. Instead, Sierra Leone remains heavily dependent on food imports, exposing it to global market shocks.
Depreciating Leone
The national currency has significantly lost value against major foreign currencies. This devaluation has made imported goods more expensive, further eroding the purchasing power of ordinary citizens.
High Transport and Energy Costs
Fuel price fluctuations have increased transport fares, making daily survival even more difficult for many Sierra Leoneans. Electricity remains unreliable, with frequent power cuts affecting both businesses and households.
Unemployment and Economic Stagnation
Youth Unemployment: Over 60 percent of young people are either unemployed or underemployed. Many university graduates struggle to find jobs, leading to a rise in frustration and desperation among the youth.
Business Closures: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are struggling under heavy taxation, limited access to credit, and an unfavorable business climate.
Foreign Investment Decline: Political uncertainty and governance concerns have discouraged potential investors, limiting economic growth opportunities.
Corruption and Financial Mismanagement
Public Sector Corruption: Government institutions continue to be plagued by corruption. Mismanagement of state resources and lack of accountability in key projects have deepened public distrust.
Misuse of Foreign Aid: Millions of dollars in international aid have been pumped into Sierra Leone, yet there is little to show in terms of infrastructural development and economic transformation.
Failed Policies: Many government-led economic initiatives, including the National Development Plan and Feed Salone, have been criticized as empty slogans that have not delivered meaningful change.
The economic downturn is not just an abstract issue—it affects every day Sierra Leoneans, pushing more families into poverty and despair. If these issues are not addressed before 2028, the election could become a referendum on the government’s failure to revive the economy.
The Political Crossroads: A Deeply Polarized Nation
Sierra Leone’s political climate has become increasingly volatile. The battle between the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has intensified, with both sides seeking to consolidate power.
The Ruling SLPP: Struggles to Maintain Power
Loss of Public Confidence: President Julius Maada Bio’s administration is facing growing discontent over its handling of the economy, corruption, and governance.
Internal Party Struggles: Factional fights within the SLPP have exposed leadership weaknesses, with power struggles between the First Lady and the Chief Minister raising concerns about the party’s unity.
Crackdown on Opposition and Civil Liberties: The government has been accused of using state institutions to suppress dissent, raising fears of a shrinking democratic space ahead of the elections.
The APC Opposition: A Party in Limbo
Leadership Uncertainty: The APC remains divided on its future direction. While Dr. Samura Kamara is seen as the most popular figure to challenge the SLPP, internal party divisions could weaken such chances.
Struggles to Regain Political Relevance: The APC’s ability to capitalize on public frustration with the SLPP remains uncertain. The party must present a credible alternative rather than relying solely on anti-government sentiment.
Government Pressure: Many APC figures have faced legal and political obstacles, raising concerns about fair electoral competition in 2028.
The Rising Role of Civil Society and Third-Party Movements
Growing Activism: Civil society groups and youth-led movements have become increasingly vocal, demanding greater accountability from the government and opposition.
Calls for Electoral Reforms: There is increasing pressure for a more transparent and fair electoral process, with concerns about voter suppression and election rigging.
The 2028 elections will be a defining moment for Sierra Leone’s democracy. If political tensions are not managed well, the country risks post-election violence, disputed results, and further instability.
The Socio-Economic Crossroads: A Nation in Despair
Beyond politics and the economy, Sierra Leone is facing a deepening social crisis.
Education in Decline
Free Quality Education Challenges: While the government boasts about its Free Quality Education (FQE) program, many schools still lack teachers, learning materials, and proper infrastructure.
Declining Academic Standards: The recent NPSE and WASSCE results show that the education quality has not improved significantly, raising concerns about the future of Sierra Leone’s workforce.
Healthcare in Crisis
Overburdened Hospitals: Public hospitals lack medicine, equipment, and trained personnel. Many citizens die from treatable illnesses due to poor healthcare services.
High Maternal and Child Mortality Rates: Sierra Leone still has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world.
The Kush Epidemic and Rising Crime
Drug Addiction Crisis: The spread of kush (a dangerous synthetic drug) has reached epidemic levels, especially among unemployed youth.
Rise in Crime: Desperation due to economic hardship and drug addiction has led to an increase in robbery, gang violence, and organized crime.
Worsening Living Conditions
Housing Shortages: Many Sierra Leoneans, especially in Freetown’s slums, live in poor conditions, with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
Rural Neglect: While Freetown faces urban challenges, rural communities suffer from neglect, lack of infrastructure, and poor public services.
The Uncertain Road to 2028
Sierra Leone is at a critical crossroads. The economic decline, political uncertainty, and worsening social conditions create a high-stakes environment ahead of the 2028 elections.
Will the ruling SLPP government regain public trust, or will the APC opposition successfully position itself as a credible alternative? Will political divisions deepen, leading to instability, or will Sierra Leone chart a new course toward inclusive governance and economic recovery?
The answers to these questions will shape the future of Sierra Leone, determining whether the country moves forward toward prosperity or continues its downward spiral of economic hardship, political turmoil, and social unrest.
The 2028 elections will be a defining moment—one that could make or break Sierra Leone’s future.
