By Albert David
In the face of Sierra Leone’s mounting socio-economic challenges, the pursuit of peace and national unity must transcend political slogans and partisan theatrics. It must become a lived reality, anchored in ethical governance, civic inclusion, and a shared commitment to elevate the standard of living for every Sierra Leonean.
The current political climate, dominated by the SLPP and APC, demands more than rhetorical gestures. It requires a radical shift from manipulation to maturity, from distraction to direction, and from division to development.
While both parties claim to champion peace and unity, the lived experience of ordinary citizens tells a different story:
– Civic space is shrinking, with independent voices increasingly marginalized or criminalized.
– Media freedom is under siege, replaced by propaganda and partisan intimidation.
– National priorities are neglected, as political energy is wasted on blame games and misinformation.
– Public trust is eroding, as deceptive narratives replace transparency and accountability.
This is not the path to unity, it is the architecture of dysfunction.
To consolidate peace and foster genuine national unity, Sierra Leone must embrace a new political ethic, one that prioritizes people over party, truth over theatrics, and development over distraction.
- Institutionalize Ethical Communication
Politicians must adopt a code of conduct that promotes respectful, fact-based, and constructive dialogue. Misinformation and incitement must be condemned across party lines.
- Protect and Empower the Media
A free press is the oxygen of democracy. Journalists must be allowed to operate without fear, and media houses must resist becoming echo chambers for political propaganda.
- Reclaim Civic Space
Civil society organizations, youth movements, and dissenting voices are not threats, they are partners in progress. Their inclusion is essential for national healing and policy innovation.
- Elevate the Standard of Living
Peace is meaningless without prosperity. The government must prioritize:
– Job creation and youth empowerment
– Access to quality education and healthcare
– Infrastructure development and food security
– Justice for victims of corruption and abuse
- Adopt International Best Practices in Governance
Sierra Leone must align with global standards of transparency, anti-corruption, and institutional independence. This includes:
– Strengthening the judiciary and rule of law
– Depoliticizing public institutions
– Ensuring merit-based appointments and public service professionalism
– Launch a National Dialogue Platform facilitated by neutral civic actors and international partners.
– Create a Media Freedom Charter endorsed by all political parties and civil society.
– Establish a Truth and Accountability Commission to address past abuses and foster reconciliation.
– Introduce Apolitical Civic Education in Schools and Communities to build a culture of peace and democratic participation.
Sierra Leoneans deserve more than political drama, they deserve dignity, opportunity, and justice. The standard of living must be elevated not through slogans, but through policy, investment, and ethical governance.
Let us reject the deceptive, misleading, and manipulative narratives that have taken us nowhere. Let us embrace truth, professionalism, and radical integrity.
This is a call to every politician, journalist, civil servant, and citizen:
Stop the distractions. Face the crisis. Serve the people.
History will not forgive silence. The future will not reward deception.
Only truth, courage, and ethical leadership can save Sierra Leone.
