By Cyllo Wise
Sierra Leone, a West African country with a history of resilience, is once again at a crossroads. After enduring decades of political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest, the nation’s people are signaling that they are ready for a new direction—one that promises hope, prosperity, and a departure from the cycles of corruption and stagnation. Today, Sierra Leone stands poised for change, with its citizens demanding more from their leaders and yearning for a better future. This article explores why Sierra Leone is ready for change, examining the country’s past, its current challenges, and the aspirations of its people as they look to the future.
Sierra Leone’s history is one of both hardship and resilience. Founded in 1787 as a settlement for freed African slaves, the country has experienced a range of trials and tribulations. From the colonization period under British rule to its post-independence struggles with military coups, corruption, and a devastating civil war (1991-2002), Sierra Leone has faced immense challenges. Yet, through it all, the spirit of the Sierra Leonean people has endured.
The brutal 11-year civil war, which claimed the lives of over 50,000 people and displaced millions, left deep scars on the country. Infrastructure was destroyed, communities were fractured, and the country’s economy was left in ruins. However, the resilience of Sierra Leoneans was demonstrated in their ability to emerge from the war and rebuild their country. The 2002 election of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah marked the beginning of a fragile peace and efforts at reconstruction. Since then, successive governments have sought to address the country’s challenges, with varying degrees of success.
Sierra Leone’s political landscape has long been dominated by two major parties: the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC). These two parties have alternated in power since independence in 1961, but both have failed to fully deliver on the promises made to the Sierra Leonean people. Over the decades, the electorate has become disillusioned with the political class, as corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of accountability have hindered the country’s progress.
The SLPP, currently in power under President Julius Maada Bio, came to office in 2018 with a promise of sweeping reforms, particularly in the areas of education, health, and governance. The “New Direction” agenda championed by Bio was seen as a beacon of hope for a country eager to break free from its troubled past. However, many of the promised reforms have either stalled or failed to materialize. While the introduction of the Free Quality Education initiative has been a notable achievement, it has been plagued by implementation challenges, and other sectors, such as the economy, have seen little improvement.
Similarly, the APC, which governed the country from 2007 to 2018 under former President Ernest Bai Koroma, also promised transformative changes but fell short in key areas. Corruption scandals, economic mismanagement, and a failure to address pressing social issues such as unemployment and healthcare left many Sierra Leoneans disillusioned by the end of Koroma’s tenure.
As a result, the people of Sierra Leone have grown increasingly frustrated with the political establishment. The alternating leadership between the SLPP and APC has fostered a sense of stagnation, with neither party offering a clear vision for the country’s future. This has led to widespread calls for change, as Sierra Leoneans seek new leadership that can address their needs and aspirations.
At the heart of Sierra Leone’s demand for change is the need for economic transformation. The country is rich in natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and bauxite, yet it remains one of the poorest nations in the world. According to the World Bank, over 50% of Sierra Leone’s population lives below the poverty line, with high levels of unemployment, particularly among the youth.
For decades, Sierra Leone’s economy has been heavily dependent on the extractive industry, particularly diamond mining. However, this dependence has not translated into widespread prosperity for the population. Corruption, poor governance, and mismanagement of resources have meant that the wealth generated by the country’s natural resources has not been distributed equitably. Instead, small elite has benefitted, while the majority of Sierra Leoneans continue to live in poverty.
The need for economic diversification is critical if Sierra Leone is to break free from its reliance on the extractive sector. The agriculture sector, which employs the majority of the population, remains underdeveloped, and there is significant untapped potential in industries such as tourism, fisheries, and manufacturing. To drive economic transformation, Sierra Leone must invest in these sectors, promote entrepreneurship, and create an environment conducive to business growth and innovation.
One of the most pressing challenges facing Sierra Leone is youth unemployment. With over 60% of the population under the age of 25, the country has a large and growing youth population. However, many young people are unable to find stable employment, which has led to frustration, disenfranchisement, and, in some cases, social unrest.
The high rate of youth unemployment has been exacerbated by the country’s weak education system and a lack of opportunities for skills development. Despite the government’s Free Quality Education initiative, many young people are leaving school without the skills needed to compete in the job market. Furthermore, the lack of investment in vocational training and technical education has left many young people without the practical skills required for employment in key industries such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
To address this issue, Sierra Leone must prioritize the creation of job opportunities for young people. This can be achieved through investment in education and skills development, as well as policies that encourage entrepreneurship and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By providing young people with the tools they need to succeed, Sierra Leone can harness the potential of its youth population and drive economic growth.
Another key area where Sierra Leone is ready for change is in governance and accountability. Corruption has long been a major obstacle to the country’s development, with politicians and public officials often engaging in practices that undermine transparency and accountability. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Sierra Leone consistently ranks among the most corrupt countries in the world.
For Sierra Leone to achieve meaningful change there must be a concerted effort to tackle corruption and promote good governance. This requires strengthening institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions, and promoting a culture of transparency in government. Furthermore, the judiciary must be empowered to operate independently and impartially, ensuring that justice is served and that those who engage in corrupt practices are held to account.
The role of civil society in promoting good governance is also critical. Civil society organizations, the media, and other watchdog groups must continue to play an active role in holding the government accountable and advocating for reforms. By empowering citizens to demand transparency and accountability from their leaders, Sierra Leone can build a more just and equitable society.
Sierra Leone’s healthcare system remains one of the weakest in the world, with high rates of maternal and child mortality, limited access to healthcare services, and a shortage of trained medical professionals. The Ebola outbreak in 2014-2016 highlighted the vulnerabilities of the country’s healthcare system, which was ill-equipped to handle the crisis. Despite efforts to rebuild and strengthen the healthcare sector in the aftermath of Ebola, significant challenges remain.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the weaknesses in Sierra Leone’s healthcare infrastructure, with hospitals and clinics struggling to provide adequate care for patients. While the government has made some progress in improving healthcare services, much more needs to be done to ensure that all Sierra Leoneans have access to quality healthcare.
Improving healthcare requires increased investment in medical facilities, the training and retention of healthcare workers, and the expansion of healthcare access in rural areas. Additionally, the government must prioritize the provision of essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and nutrition, which are critical to improving public health outcomes.
Sierra Leone cannot achieve meaningful change without addressing the issue of gender inequality. Women in Sierra Leone continue to face significant barriers to political, economic, and social participation. Despite making up over half of the population, women are underrepresented in leadership positions and face discrimination in areas such as education, employment, and healthcare.
To promote gender equality, Sierra Leone must ensure that women have equal access to opportunities and are represented at all levels of decision-making. This can be achieved through the implementation of policies that promote gender parity in political representation, as well as initiatives that support women’s economic empowerment and access to education.
The demand for change in Sierra Leone is clear, but the path forward requires bold leadership, innovative thinking, and a commitment to addressing the country’s most pressing challenges. As the nation prepares for future elections, Sierra Leoneans must seek leaders who are not only capable of delivering on their promises but also committed to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of the people.
Key to this new vision for Sierra Leone is the development of a long-term strategy that focuses on inclusive growth, economic diversification A New Vision for Sierra Leone: The Path Forward
The demand for change in Sierra Leone is clear, but the path forward requires bold leadership, innovative thinking, and a commitment to addressing the country’s most pressing challenges. As the nation prepares for future elections, Sierra Leoneans must seek leaders who are not only capable of delivering on their promises but also committed to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of the people.
Key to this new vision for Sierra Leone is the development of a long-term strategy that focuses on inclusive growth, economic diversification, social development, and good governance. These pillars can serve as the foundation for the nation’s transformation and ensure that the people of Sierra Leone experience the positive changes they so desperately need.
One of the most critical steps for Sierra Leone is to pursue inclusive growth—economic policies that create opportunities for all segments of society to contribute to and benefit from economic progress. To achieve this, the country must break away from its over-reliance on the extractive industries and develop other sectors that hold great potential for job creation and national prosperity.
Agriculture offers a viable path forward. As a largely agrarian society, Sierra Leone has the potential to improve agricultural productivity and food security through better technology, irrigation, and access to financing. By shifting from subsistence farming to more commercialized, value-added agricultural production, Sierra Leone could not only meet domestic food needs but also tap into regional and international markets.
Tourism is another underdeveloped sector with significant potential. With its rich history, diverse ecosystems, and scenic beaches, Sierra Leone has the ability to attract international tourists. A focus on improving infrastructure, promoting eco-tourism, and ensuring political stability would make the country a more appealing destination.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must also be prioritized as engines of economic growth. Supporting entrepreneurship through access to finance, simplifying regulations, and providing business training can empower citizens to create jobs and generate wealth. For a country where youth unemployment is high, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship could transform Sierra Leone’s economic landscape.
For Sierra Leone to transition toward a diversified economy, its education system must be reformed to equip citizens with the skills needed to thrive in emerging industries. While the Free Quality Education (FQE) initiative has been a step in the right direction, further investments are required to ensure that the system produces a skilled and competitive workforce.
A greater focus on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) would address the skills gap, enabling young people to gain practical experience in fields such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. Expanding TVET programs across the country and making them accessible to marginalized communities would help bridge the divide between those who are employed and those who remain in poverty.
Moreover, education reform should emphasize STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), as these fields are critical to driving technological innovation and solving real-world problems. Building partnerships between schools, universities, and the private sector can ensure that the education system produces graduates who are ready to meet the demands of the labor market.
A healthy population is essential for national development, yet Sierra Leone continues to face significant healthcare challenges. To achieve lasting change, the country must prioritize the development of a comprehensive, resilient healthcare system capable of responding to emergencies and providing quality care to all citizens.
This requires increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, including the construction of hospitals and clinics in both urban and rural areas. It also involves addressing the shortage of medical professionals through better training, retention policies, and incentives for healthcare workers. Additionally, the government must expand access to basic healthcare services, particularly maternal and child healthcare, immunization, and clean water and sanitation.
Sierra Leone should also develop robust social protection programs that provide safety nets for vulnerable populations. Whether through cash transfers, food assistance, or subsidized healthcare, these programs can help alleviate poverty and build resilience against economic shocks.
For Sierra Leone to thrive, it must commit to good governance and the rule of law. Corruption has long been a major hindrance to the country’s development, eroding public trust and diverting much-needed resources away from essential services. Tackling corruption requires a multi-faceted approach.
Strengthening the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is paramount. The ACC must have the independence and resources to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, regardless of political affiliation. Holding high-ranking officials accountable for corrupt practices will send a clear message that no one is above the law.
In addition, promoting transparency and accountability in government is essential. By making government transactions, contracts, and budgets publicly available, the people of Sierra Leone can play an active role in monitoring the activities of their leaders. Civil society organizations and the media must also be empowered to investigate and report on corruption, without fear of reprisal.
Judicial reform is another crucial area. Sierra Leone’s judiciary must be independent and impartial, with the authority to rule on cases free from political interference. Building a justice system that is accessible to all citizens, regardless of wealth or status, will help restore confidence in the rule of law.
No nation can achieve sustainable development without the full participation of its women. Sierra Leone must continue to push for gender equality in all areas of society, from education and employment to political leadership. This includes ensuring that women have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Promoting female leadership is critical. While some progress has been made in increasing women’s participation in politics, much more needs to be done. Quotas for women in parliament, executive positions, and local government can help break down barriers to gender parity. Similarly, initiatives that support women entrepreneurs and provide microfinance opportunities can empower women to take charge of their economic futures.
Furthermore, efforts must be made to combat gender-based violence and protect the rights of women and girls. This includes strengthening laws against domestic violence, human trafficking, and female genital mutilation (FGM), while providing support services for survivors of abuse.
One of Sierra Leone’s most significant challenges is the deep-rooted political polarization that has long defined its landscape. For the country to move forward, its people must come together to build a more inclusive society, one in which political affiliation, ethnicity, and regional identity are not sources of division.
Promoting national unity begins with the leadership setting an example of tolerance and inclusivity. Leaders from all political parties must work together in the interest of the country rather than perpetuating rivalries. Efforts should also be made to include marginalized groups, such as the disabled and ethnic minorities, in the political process.
A national dialogue can serve as a platform for addressing grievances and fostering reconciliation among different groups. Through open discussions and cooperation, Sierra Leone can begin to heal the divisions that have held it back and work towards a more cohesive and peaceful future.
Sierra Leone is ready for a change, but that change will only come if the nation’s leaders rise to the occasion and the people remain steadfast in their pursuit of a better future. The country has endured decades of hardship, yet the resilience and determination of its people remain undiminished.
By focusing on inclusive growth, governance reforms, healthcare, education, gender equality, and national unity, Sierra Leone can overcome the challenges that have held it back and chart a course toward prosperity. As the nation stands at this pivotal moment in its history, the people of Sierra Leone are calling for leadership that prioritizes their needs, addresses systemic inequalities, and delivers on the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
The time for change is now, and Sierra Leone is ready to embark on the journey toward a better future.
