By Hassan Osman Kargbo
As Sierra Leone prepares for the 2028 elections, the country stands at crossroads. Over the years, political division, fueled by tribalism, regionalism, and party politics, has stunted its growth and hindered its potential.
This period of transition calls for a fundamental shift in how Sierra Leoneans approach their nation’s future. It is time for the people of Sierra Leone to prioritize the nation’s well-being above party loyalty, tribal identity, and regional differences. Sierra Leone’s future can only be secured when its citizens come together, setting aside divisions, and choosing leaders who are committed to true national development.
Sierra Leone has been a democracy for over six decades, yet the country still grapples with issues that should have been resolved long ago, issue like reliable electricity, quality education, decent healthcare, good infrastructure, and clean water. While these basic needs remain unmet, the political elite often seem preoccupied with maintaining power, instead of focusing on delivering the much-needed change for ordinary Sierra Leoneans. Such is largely due to the entrenchment of tribalism, regionalism, and party politics in the political system, which has led to poor governance and deepened inequalities.
In addition, tribalism in Sierra Leone is one of the most significant barriers to progress. Voters often make decisions based on the tribe of the candidate, instead of their qualifications or vision for the nation. This tribal allegiance is frequently manipulated by political parties to secure votes, leading to a culture in which election campaigns emphasize ethnic identity over real issues. As a result, many voters are conditioned to support leaders solely because of their ethnic background, perpetuating division and stagnation.
The danger of this is that it not only creates division but also weakens the government’s ability to act in the interest of all citizens. When tribal loyalty takes precedence, governance becomes biased, with leaders prioritizing their own ethnic group over others. This exclusionary approach undermines the idea of a united nation and prevents fair distribution of resources and services. For instance, in some regions, development projects and government appointments may be skewed in favor of those from the ruling party’s ethnic group, leaving other parts of the country neglected.
It is crucial for Sierra Leoneans to recognize that true progress can only be achieved if the focus shifts from tribal allegiance to shared national interest. In the upcoming elections, voters must evaluate candidates based on their ability to lead all Sierra Leoneans, not just those from a particular tribe or region.
Another issue that the people need to overcome is Regionalism, like tribalism, this has also been a driving force behind political divisions in Sierra Leone. The divide between the North, East, and South has often been defined by party affiliations—namely, the All People’s Congress (APC) in the North and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in the South-East. This regional divide, often reinforced by political leaders, has created a perception that certain areas of the country belong to one party or another. This idea is not only harmful to national unity but also limits the ability of the country to prosper as a whole.
When politicians prioritize their own region or party over the nation, this leads to an uneven distribution of resources and development efforts. Key infrastructure projects, such as roads, hospitals, and schools, may be concentrated in areas aligned with the ruling party, leaving other regions to suffer. This inequality fosters resentment and continues the cycle of poverty in neglected areas. It also creates a political environment where voters may feel forced to choose between parties based on their region, rather than their policies or character.
It is essential for Sierra Leoneans to break free from this regional mindset. The country is one unified nation, and its leaders must work to bridge divides rather than exploit them for political gain. The 2028 elections should be a turning point, where the nation chooses leadership that represents the whole country, not just one region or group.
Furthermore, Sierra Leone’s party politics have become a significant obstacle to the country’s development. Political parties, while necessary for democracy, have become entrenched in a cycle of rivalry that often prioritizes partisanship over progress. This has resulted in a lack of continuity in government policies. When a new party comes to power, it frequently dismantles or ignores the policies of the previous administration, regardless of their potential for national development. This results in a loss of momentum and wasted resources.
The emphasis on party loyalty has also fueled corruption and inefficiency. Leaders, focused more on securing political victories than addressing national issues, often misallocate resources and engage in corrupt practices. Public funds that should be used for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other vital services are instead diverted for personal or political gain. Meanwhile, ordinary Sierra Leoneans continue to suffer from poor living conditions.
To break this cycle, Sierra Leoneans must demand that political parties prioritize the nation over their interests. It is essential that the next generation of leaders focus on long-term development goals, working across party lines to create a unified vision for the country. The people must hold their leaders accountable, ensuring that they deliver the infrastructure, healthcare, and education that Sierra Leone needs.
Adamantly, the future of Sierra Leone lies in its ability to overcome the challenges of tribalism, regionalism, and party politics. As the 2028 elections approach, it is crucial for Sierra Leoneans to remember that their choices should be based on the well-being of the country, not party loyalty or ethnic identity. The next generation of leaders must be chosen based on their ability to unite the country, prioritize development, and serve the needs of all citizens, regardless of tribe, region, or political affiliation.
Sierra Leoneans must demand accountability from their leaders. The country’s progress depends on electing officials who are committed to long-term national development.
The future of Sierra Leone rests in the hands of its people, and it is time to put Sierra Leone first—above all else. Only through unity, true leadership, and a commitment to the common good can Sierra Leone move forward and fulfill its true potential.
The time for change is now.
