By Hassan Osman Kargbo
As Sierra Leone approaches the 2028 elections, the time has come for a much-needed change. For far too long, the country has been held back by divisions that run deep.
Issues like tribalism, regionalism, and party politics have shaped its political landscape, often to the detriment of national unity and development.
Now, more than ever, it’s time for Sierra Leoneans to set aside the divisive forces and put their country first. The future of the nation lies not in political party lines, not in tribal allegiances, but in the collective will of the people to choose a path of unity and progress.
For over 60 years, Sierra Leone has celebrated its independence, yet the country still faces basic challenges—issues that many nations have long ago overcome. Issues like Reliable electricity, proper roads, access to clean water, and effective healthcare remain elusive for many Sierra Leoneans. While these needs continue to go unmet, the political leaders who are supposed to advocate for the people seem to be more focused on securing their power and perpetuating party and tribal divisions. This pattern has hindered progress and left too many people behind.
In addition, tribalism remains one of Sierra Leone’s most deeply entrenched issues. It’s hard to talk about politics in Sierra Leone without acknowledging the way that tribal loyalties often influence voting behavior. People tend to vote based on their ethnic identity, not necessarily on the qualities of the candidates or their capacity to lead. Political campaigns frequently capitalize on this, with parties focusing on ethnic groups to secure votes. While the intention may be to rally support, it leads to a dangerous cycle where political allegiance becomes synonymous with tribal loyalty, rather than shared national goals.
This tribal mindset has created a political culture in which an individual’s worth is too often determined by tribe rather than qualifications or vision for the country. As a result, Sierra Leoneans witnessed politicians playing to their tribes, rather than addressing the needs of all Sierra Leoneans. The loyalty to tribe has, at times, been so strong that it clouds the judgment of voters, preventing them from looking beyond ethnicity to see the bigger picture: the development and future of Sierra Leone.
The most unfortunate consequence of tribalism is the exclusion it breeds. When leaders feel compelled to serve only their ethnic group, vital resources and opportunities are unevenly distributed. Government jobs, social services, and development projects become biased, favoring one tribe over another. This results in stagnation in some parts of the country and neglect of others, leading to inequality that only deepens existing tensions.
To move forward, Sierra Leoneans must recognize that the country is bigger than any one tribe. It is time to focus on what unites us: a shared love for Sierra Leone, a desire to see our children grow in a prosperous country, and a commitment to building a future that we can all be proud of.
Also, Regionalism is another major hurdle in Sierra Leone’s political journey. Historically, the north has been seen as a stronghold of the All People’s Congress (APC), while the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has been more popular in the south-east. This division has fueled not only political competition but also a perception that the north and south represent opposing forces in Sierra Leone’s political life. Regionalism, like tribalism, has become a tool used by political parties to gain influence, but it has had a destructive impact on the country’s unity.
When politicians place their regional interests above the needs of the nation, it leads to an imbalance in development. Infrastructure projects, healthcare services, and education programs may be concentrated in regions that are loyal to the ruling party, leaving other areas to fend for themselves. This creates a divide, not just in politics but in daily life—people in the northern regions may feel disconnected from those in the southern or eastern parts of the country, and vice versa. The development of the country becomes hindered by this mentality, as resources are used to fuel political battles rather than to uplift the people.
The reality is that Sierra Leone cannot afford this kind of division. If we are to achieve true progress, we need to look at the country as a whole, with a commitment to uplifting every region, regardless of political affiliation. Political leaders must move beyond regional politics and focus on policies that benefit Sierra Leone as a unified nation. A prosperous Sierra Leone is not one that is divided along regional lines but one that embraces its diversity while working together to create a better future for all.
Furthermore, Sierra Leone’s political parties have become so entrenched in rivalry that it seems there is little room left for collaboration or compromise. This extreme partisanship has often resulted in a lack of continuity in governance, as each new administration seeks to undo the work of the previous one, regardless of its merits. Policies change with every election cycle, leaving little room for long-term strategies that could address the country’s most pressing issues. The emphasis on party loyalty has often led to corruption and mismanagement of public funds. Politicians, rather than prioritizing national interests, have been more focused on securing their party’s hold on power. This has led to a situation where national resources are misused, public services are underfunded, and the ordinary citizen continues to suffer. Politicians spend more time securing their political base than ensuring that the basic needs of the people—such as healthcare, education, electricity, and roads.
It’s clear that this pattern must end. Sierra Leoneans deserve leaders who are willing to put the country first, who are ready to work across party lines to solve problems and create a future of opportunity. We need politicians who are not bound by partisanship but are driven by the goal of improving the lives of all citizens.
Consequently, the 2028 elections present an opportunity for Sierra Leone to change the trajectory of its future. This is the moment for citizens to rise above tribal and regional affiliations and demand leaders who are committed to true national development. We must choose leaders who will unite the country, prioritize long-term progress, and work together to build the Sierra Leone we all envision.
The future of Sierra Leone depends on us, the people. We have the power to shape the future through our votes, but we must be willing to look beyond the old divisions that have held us back. It’s time for a change—a change that puts Sierra Leone first, above politics, above tribe, and above region.
We owe it to ourselves, and to the generations yet to come, to prioritize unity, development, and true leadership. Only by doing so can we ensure that Sierra Leone fulfills its true potential and becomes a beacon of hope and progress in West Africa. Let’s make this the turning point for our nation. The time for change is now.
