For too long, Sierra Leone has been governed in a way that benefits a select few while leaving many marginalized. However, one undeniable truth remains: Sierra Leone belongs to all Sierra Leoneansโnot just for the ruling elite, not just to one tribe, not just to one political party, but to every citizen who calls this nation home.
A Nation Divided by Politics and Ethnicity
One of the most significant challenges facing Sierra Leone today is the persistent divide along political and ethnic lines. Since independence, the nationโs political landscape has been dominated by two major partiesโthe All Peopleโs Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone Peopleโs Party (SLPP). These parties, rather than serving as platforms for national unity and development, have often deepened divisions by prioritizing party loyalty over national interests.
Under successive administrations, governance has been marred by favoritism, where appointments, contracts, and opportunities are distributed based on political and tribal affiliations rather than merit, thus fostering resentment, discouraged national cohesion, and created a cycle of political revenge whenever power shifts from one party to another.
Sierra Leone cannot continue on this path. A country built on division will never achieve true progress. It is time to break free from this destructive pattern and build a nation where every citizen, regardless of tribe or political belief, has an equal stake in the national cake.
Economic Opportunities for All, Not Just a Few
Sierra Leone is blessed with vast natural resources, including diamonds, gold, bauxite, and fertile agricultural land. However, the benefits of these resources have not been evenly distributed. Instead, a small eliteโoften aligned with the ruling governmentโcontinues to amass wealth while the majority of citizens struggle to make ends meet.
The high rate of youth unemployment, poor wages, and a struggling economy reflect a system that has failed to prioritize the needs of the people. While politicians and their allies live comfortably, many ordinary Sierra Leoneans lack access to basic necessities such as affordable healthcare, quality education, and sustainable jobs.
For Sierra Leone to truly be for all its people, economic policies must shift towards inclusive growth. The government must prioritize:
Job Creation โ Policies should support youth entrepreneurship, expand industrialization, and create an environment where businesses thrive.
Fair Distribution of Resources โ National wealth should not be controlled by a few; instead, it should be reinvested in sectors that benefit the majority, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Empowerment of Local Industries โ Instead of relying heavily on foreign investments that often exploit resources, local businesses must be given the support needed to grow and compete in the global market.
A Justice System That Serves Everyone
Justice in Sierra Leone has often been selective, favoring the powerful while punishing the weak. Corruption within the legal system has made it difficult for ordinary citizens to seek fair treatment, as those with influence can manipulate the system to their advantage.
For Sierra Leone to truly belong to all Sierra Leoneans, justice must be blind and accessible to everyone. A nation where laws are enforced selectively creates discontent and fuels distrust in government institutions. Reforms must be undertaken to ensure that:
The judiciary remains independent and free from political influence
Law enforcement agencies act impartially, protecting all citizens rather than serving as tools for political repression
Citizens are educated about their rights and encouraged to demand accountability from those in power
When justice is applied fairly, it builds trust in governance and strengthens national unity Every Sierra Leonean must feel protected under the law, not just those who belong to the ruling party.
An Education System That Empowers All
Education is the foundation of any thriving nation. While initiatives such as the Free Quality Education (FQE) program has increased access to schooling, there remain significant gaps in quality, infrastructure, and teacher welfare.
Too many schools lack proper facilities, and many students graduate without the skills needed to secure meaningful employment. If Sierra Leone is truly to be a country for all its people, the education system must be restructured to provide equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their background.
Key reforms should include:
Improved Teacher Training and Salaries โ Motivated and well-paid teachers are crucial for quality education.
Curriculum Modernization โ Schools must teach practical skills, including digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and vocational training, to prepare students for the job market.
Increased Investment in Rural Schools โ Many rural communities still lack basic educational infrastructure. Resources must be distributed equitably.
An educated population is an empowered population. When every child has access to quality education, the future of the nation is secured.
Healthcare That Serves All, Not Just the Wealthy
Healthcare in Sierra Leone remains a major challenge, with limited access to quality medical services, insufficient hospital facilities, and an inadequate supply of essential drugs. Many people die from preventable diseases simply because they cannot afford treatment.
In a country where millions struggle with poverty, healthcare must not be a privilege reserved for the rich and politically connected. It is time to:
Invest in Public Hospitals โ Modern healthcare facilities must be built in every district, not just in Freetown.
Ensure Affordable Healthcare for All โ Government policies should subsidize medical costs for the poor and vulnerable.
Strengthen the Health Workforce โ Doctors and nurses must be well-trained, well-equipped, and fairly compensated to prevent the continued brain drain of medical professionals.
A healthy nation is a productive nation. When all Sierra Leoneans have access to quality healthcare, the entire country benefits.
National Unity: The Foundation of a Stronger Sierra Leone
Sierra Leoneans must begin to see themselves as one people, united by a common goal of national progress. Tribalism and political loyalty should never come before patriotism.
Politicians have long used division as a strategy to maintain power; but it is the duty of ordinary citizens to reject hate, embrace unity, and work together for a brighter future.
Building a united Sierra Leone requires:
Respect for All Ethnic Groups โ No tribe should feel superior or marginalized. Equal opportunities must be given to all.
Peaceful Political Participation โ Elections should be about issues and policies, not about regional or tribal affiliations.
A National Identity Beyond Party Politics โ Patriotism must be stronger than party loyalty. Sierra Leoneโs progress should be every citizenโs concern, regardless of who is in power.
A Nation for All, Not for a Few
Sierra Leone must be for all Sierra Leoneans, not just for those in government, not just for those in power, and certainly not just for those who belong to a particular party or tribe. It is time to build a country where opportunities, justice, and resources are shared fairly among all citizens.
Every Sierra Leonean, regardless of background, must have the right to succeed, to be heard, and to contribute to the nation’s development. We must demand inclusivity, fairness, and transparency from our leaders. But more importantly, we must also take responsibility in shaping the future of our country.
Sierra Leone is oursโall of us. If we unite, we can create a nation that works for everyone, not just a privileged few. The future depends on the choices we make today. Let us choose unity over division, justice over favoritism, and national progress over political selfishness.
Sierra Leone belongs to all Sierra Leoneans. Let us build it together.
