By Mackie M. Jalloh
When Julius Maada Bio campaigned for the Sierra Leonean presidency in 2018, his message resonated with many citizens grappling with the rising cost of living. Bio presented himself as a champion of economic reform, promising to address the exorbitant prices of essential goods, particularly rice, the country’s dietary staple. He criticized the previous All People’s Congress (APC) administration for its alleged economic mismanagement, accusing them of inflating prices and exacerbating the financial struggles of ordinary Sierra Leoneans. His campaign was built on the hope that he could ease the economic burden on families. Six years later, however, the reality has proven to be starkly different. Instead of relief, Sierra Leoneans are faced with an even graver cost-of-living crisis.
When Bio took office, a 50-kilogram bag of rice was priced at NLe 200. Today, that same bag costs NLe 1,200—an alarming sixfold increase that has sent shockwaves through households. Rice is not just a food item but a key economic indicator in Sierra Leone, and this dramatic price hike highlights the deepening economic challenges under Bio’s administration. Despite his promises to reduce the cost of living, his tenure has seen prices escalate to unprecedented levels, undermining the purchasing power of citizens. For many who supported Bio in 2018, this price surge feels like a betrayal of the trust they placed in his leadership.
The rise in rice prices is not an isolated issue but part of a broader economic crisis that has gripped Sierra Leone. Inflation continues to climb, while the depreciation of the Leone has exacerbated the cost of imports, further driving up the prices of food and other basic goods. Government attempts to stabilize the currency and curb inflation have largely failed to alleviate the economic pressures facing the population. The rising cost of essential items, such as cooking oil, fuel, and healthcare, has stretched household budgets to their breaking point. For many Sierra Leoneans, these price hikes mean they can no longer afford basic necessities.
The consequences of this economic turmoil are most acutely felt by vulnerable groups, particularly families and children. As the cost of food skyrockets, many households are being forced to reduce the number of meals they eat each day, or to make difficult sacrifices by cutting back on other necessities. For children, this means an increased risk of malnutrition, which can have long-term health and developmental consequences. Malnutrition rates among lower-income households are predicted to rise, and the public health system is struggling to cope with the increased demand for healthcare services. In a society where children are seen as the future of the nation, this decline in health and education is a damning reflection of a government that has failed to deliver on its promises.
The escalating prices and the widespread economic hardship have led to growing disillusionment with Bio’s government. Many Sierra Leoneans, once hopeful that Bio would deliver economic reform and affordable living, now feel betrayed. With elections on the horizon, the discontent is palpable, and many citizens are questioning the government’s ability to address their needs. Bio’s promises of change have not materialized, and calls for transparency and accountability are intensifying. Citizens are demanding to know what concrete steps the government is taking to address the worsening economic situation.
The current economic crisis in Sierra Leone demands immediate and effective intervention from Bio’s administration. Citizens are looking for more than just political rhetoric—they want tangible measures that will address the underlying causes of inflation and ensure access to affordable goods. The crisis has highlighted the need for greater transparency and clear communication from the government about its strategies to manage the economy and stabilize prices. As stewards of the nation’s economic well-being, the government must demonstrate a commitment to practical solutions rather than relying on symbolic gestures or empty promises.
Sierra Leone’s growing economic crisis presents a critical test for President Bio’s administration. The gap between campaign promises and the harsh realities of daily life has left many disillusioned, and time is running out for the government to restore public trust. For Sierra Leoneans, the stakes are high: economic stability and affordability are not abstract goals, but immediate concerns that affect their survival and quality of life. If Bio’s administration fails to take decisive action to address these issues, it risks losing not only political support but also tarnishing its legacy with the weight of broken promises and continued hardship for the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
