By Mackie M. Jalloh
As the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) looks ahead to its future leadership, tensions are rising within the party over President Julius Maada Bio’s handling of succession plans. The brewing discord has prompted concerns among senior members, who fear the party could face a crisis akin to that of the All Peoples Congress (APC) after former President Ernest Bai Koroma controversially selected Dr. Samura Kamara as the APC’s flagbearer in 2018.
According to insiders, apprehensions are growing within the SLPP over President Bio’s apparent preference for appointing a successor from the party’s younger ranks, a move that has sparked anxiety among veteran members. Since the start of his second term, President Bio has been rumoured to be grooming a young, relatively unknown figure within the party, raising concerns that such a choice could trigger a deep rift between the established leadership and the new generation of politicians who have gained prominence in recent years.
“President Bio has done a commendable job of bringing young people into the party’s leadership,” remarked one SLPP Executive member. “But the prospect of him attempting to impose one of these new faces as his successor could lead to severe disunity within the party.”
The unease is compounded by memories of Bio’s first term, during which his appointments were widely perceived as rewards for those who had supported him during his time in exile. Many of these appointees were drawn from the diaspora and were criticized for lacking the experience or dedication necessary to fulfil their roles effectively. The resulting backlash was significant, with many accusing the administration of failing to deliver on its promises to the people of Sierra Leone.
Following the contested June 2023 presidential election, which saw Bio’s re-election under a cloud of electoral controversy, the President introduced several fresh faces into the party and government. However, the side-lined veteran members, who still wield considerable influence within the party, have not taken kindly to this shift in power. This has set the stage for what could become a bitter struggle for control of the party as Bio’s second term progresses.
“There’s a real danger that the SLPP could fracture in the same way the APC did in 2018,” cautioned another party stalwart. The APC’s internal turmoil after the appointment of Dr. Samura Kamara, who lacked grassroots support, serves as a warning to the SLPP about the potential consequences of an unpopular succession.
In a bid to ensure the effectiveness of his new appointees, President Bio has implemented performance contracts for heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). However, criticism has emerged over the lack of adequate monitoring and communication regarding the progress of these government bodies. Some insiders lament that the government’s achievements are being overlooked due to poor communication, particularly between the administration and the public.
“The chief minister seems more interested in his social media presence than in actually leading effectively,” one source criticized. “There’s a significant disconnect between the government and the people, and many dedicated individuals in the MDAs aren’t getting the recognition they deserve because their successes aren’t being communicated.”
As the SLPP navigates these internal challenges, the party’s future leadership remains uncertain. With President Bio’s influence looming over the succession process, the SLPP faces the delicate task of maintaining unity while avoiding the internal divisions that have plagued other political parties in Sierra Leone.
