By Sulaiman Aruna Sesay

As Sierra Leoneans are prepare to celebrate Independence Day once again, it is important to ask ourselves what exactly we are celebrating. Is it our freedom from colonialism or our supposed progress as a nation? Sadly, the reality on the ground suggests that there is very little to celebrate.

Despite being one of the most resource-rich nations in Africa, Sierra Leone remains plagued by poverty, unemployment, and most recently, a crippling energy crisis. In Freetown, the country’s capital, many residents are going days or even weeks without electricity, plunging businesses and households into darkness and making it virtually impossible to conduct any form of economic activity. How then can we celebrate our independence when we are literally living in the dark?

The lack of electricity is just one manifestation of a more deep-seated problem: the failure of our government to provide basic services to its people. Food insecurity is a growing concern, with many families struggling to put food on the table. Unemployment is also rampant, particularly among the youth, who make up over 60% of the population. These challenges are not new, but they have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a decline in economic activity and worsened an already dire situation.

Sierra Leoneans are tired of empty speeches and broken promises. We want tangible results and meaningful change. We want a government that is accountable and responsive to our needs, not one that is focused on enriching its elite members at the expense of the rest of us. We want electricity, food, and jobs, not just on Independence Day, but every day of the year.

As we celebrate our independence this year, let us not lose sight of the challenges that lie ahead. We must demand more from our leaders and hold them accountable for their actions. We must work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and future generations. Only then can we truly celebrate our independence, not as a symbol of our past, but as a beacon of hope for our future.